• Skip to Content
  • Skip to Main Navigation
  • Skip to Local Navigation
  • Skip to Search
  • Skip to Sitemap
  • Skip to Footer

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: SCOLOPACIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

  • Similar Species
  • Related Species
  • Go to:
Lesser Yellowlegs Photo

© William L. Newton / CLO

The Lesser Yellowlegs is a slender, long-legged shorebird that readily shows off the brightly colored legs that give it its name. It is an active feeder, often running through the shallow water to chase its prey.

Come watch nesting birds at Nestcams.org

Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized shorebird.
  • Long, bright yellow legs.
  • Rather long neck and bill.
  • White rump and tail.

Immature Description

Similar to adult.

Range Map Help

Lesser Yellowlegs Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
    PopOutZoom In
    Adult
    • © William L. Newton / CLO, Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Florida
  • Greater (left) and Lesser (right) yellowlegs
    PopOutZoom In
    Greater (left) and Lesser (right) yellowlegs
    • © William L. Newton / CLO, Myakka River, Florida, April 2000

Similar Species

  • The two yellowleg species are very similar. Size is marked different when they appear together and can be compared against each other. Greater Yellowlegs's bill appears slightly upturned and blunt-tipped, while Lesser Yellowlegs's bill is straight and sharp-pointed. Lesser's bill is always dark, while Greater's bill is grayish at the base in nonbreeding season. Voice is best distinguishing character: Greater gives three or four piercing notes, Lesser two rapid, softer short whistles (sometimes or or three).
  • Solitary Sandpiper has greenish legs and a barred tail.
  • Stilt Sandpiper is slightly smaller, has greenish yellow legs, and a slightly drooping bill.