A medium-sized (10-11 inches) sandpiper, the Lesser Yellowlegs in summer is most easily identified by its mottled gray back and wings, pale breast, long straight bill, and characteristic bright yellow legs. In winter, this species becomes slightly duller-plumaged overall. This species may be separated from the related Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) by that species’ much larger size and from the winter Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus) by that species’ plainer plumage and greenish legs. Male and female Lesser Yellowlegs are similar to one another in all seasons. The Lesser Yellowlegs breeds in Alaska and the western Canadian arctic east to the Hudson Bay. This species is a long-distance migrant, wintering from coastal California and the coastal southeastern U.S.south to southern South America. Lesser Yellowlegs migrate through the Caribbean, along both coasts of North America, and in the interior of the continent. Lesser Yellowlegs primarily breed in freshwater marshes surrounded by northern evergreen forests. In winter and on migration, this species may be found in a number of wetland habitats, including freshwater or saltwater marshes, flooded grasslands, and estuaries. Lesser Yellowlegs mainly eat small invertebrates, including insects, aquatic worms, and mollusks. Due to its remote breeding habitat, most birdwatchers never see Lesser Yellowlegs during the summer. On migration or during the winter, this species may be seen probing the mud for food with its bill while wading in shallow water. Lesser Yellowlegs are primarily active during the day.
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Bibliographic Citation: Rumelt, Reid B. Tringa flavipes. June-July 2012. Brief natural history summary of Tringa flavipes. Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.
