The lesser yellowlegs is a medium-sized shorebird. It breeds in the boreal forest region of North America.
Region
Americas
Typical Environment
Breeds across the boreal forest zone from Alaska through much of Canada, especially around bogs, fens, and forested ponds. During migration it spreads widely across North America, using inland mudflats, flooded fields, reservoirs, and marsh edges. In winter it ranges from the southern United States through Central America to northern South America and the Caribbean. It prefers shallow freshwater, but will also use brackish lagoons, estuaries, and mangroves when available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The lesser yellowlegs is often confused with the greater yellowlegs, but it has a thinner, shorter bill (about head length) and a more delicate build. Its clear, whistled tu-tu-tu call is a hallmark during migration. It breeds in the boreal forest and muskeg of North America, nesting on the ground near wetlands. On migration and wintering grounds it frequents shallow freshwater habitats more than many similar shorebirds.
Lesser yellowlegs foraging in Queens, New York
Chicks
Lesser yellowlegs (left) are smaller, with a proportionally shorter bill than greater yellowlegs (right). Semipalmated sandpipers in the foreground.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, even wingbeats; agile over wetlands
Social Behavior
Nests on the ground in the boreal forest, typically as dispersed pairs. During migration and winter it forms loose, often mixed-species flocks, especially on productive mudflats and shallow pools. Pairs are generally monogamous within a breeding season, with both parents involved in chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Most often heard giving a clear, ringing series of two to three whistled notes: tu-tu or tu-tu-tu. Calls carry far over wetlands and are used in alarm and contact. Song is not elaborate; vocalizations are primarily calls.
Plumage
Slim shorebird with finely streaked and spotted gray-brown upperparts and white underparts, more speckled in breeding plumage and plainer gray in nonbreeding. The body looks clean and crisp with subtle mottling and a contrasting white rump. Long, bright yellow legs are conspicuous. Bill is straight, thin, and dark.
Diet
Feeds mainly on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, including flies, beetles, midges, aquatic larvae, small crustaceans, and worms. Will also take small snails and occasionally tiny fish or tadpoles. Forages by picking from the surface, probing in soft mud, and using foot-trembling to stir prey. Hunts visually in shallow water and along exposed shorelines.
Preferred Environment
Shallow freshwater edges, muddy margins of ponds and lakes, flooded fields, and marshes. On coasts, uses estuaries, tidal flats, and mangrove shallows, especially where salinity is low to brackish.
