The greater yellowlegs is a large shorebird in the family Scolopacidae. It breeds in central Canada and southern Alaska and winters in southern North America, Central America, the West Indies and South America.
Region
Americas
Typical Environment
Breeds in muskeg, bogs, and forested wetlands across central and northern Canada and southern Alaska. During migration it uses a wide range of inland wetlands, including flooded fields, lakeshores, and river edges. In winter it frequents coastal mudflats, estuaries, mangroves, salt ponds, and shallow lagoons, as well as inland marshes. It tolerates both fresh and brackish waters and readily uses human-made impoundments.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The greater yellowlegs is a slender, long-legged shorebird named for its bright yellow legs and long, slightly upturned bill. It breeds in the boreal wetlands of Canada and Alaska and migrates widely across the Americas. Its clear three-note whistle is a distinctive call often heard before the bird is seen. It actively forages by running through shallow water and sweeping or stabbing with its bill.
Juvenile
Greater yellowlegs (right) are larger, with a proportionally longer bill than lesser yellowlegs (left). Semipalmated sandpipers in the foreground.
Temperament
wary and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in small groups while foraging, but forms loose flocks during migration and on wintering grounds. Nests on the ground near water in the boreal zone, usually with well-separated territories. Both parents are attentive, and alarm calls are frequent near nests.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Best known for its clear, ringing three-note whistle, often rendered as ‘tew-tew-tew’, given in flight or when alarmed. Also produces sharp, piping calls and chatter during aggressive interactions.
Plumage
Mottled gray-brown upperparts with fine spotting and streaking, and clean white underparts that show dark barring and streaks on the sides and flanks (heavier in breeding plumage).
Diet
Feeds on aquatic insects, small fish, crustaceans, worms, and amphibians. Uses visual hunting, often running through shallows and making quick jabs or sweeping its bill side-to-side. Will probe soft substrates and chase prey in short bursts. Opportunistic and adaptable to a variety of wetland prey communities.
Preferred Environment
Shallow waters of marshes, mudflats, estuaries, and lake edges. Often forages along gently sloping shorelines and in flooded fields or impoundments.
