Tringa melanoleuca
The Greater Yellowlegs is usually one of the birds that performs the lookout role among mixed flocks of shorebirds. At the first sign of danger, these large sandpipers begin calling, bobbing their heads and moving slowly away from the threat. The Greater Yellowlegs usually retreats into deeper water before becoming airborne. Many shorebirds, including the Greater Yellowlegs, hop around beach flats on one leg. True amputees can be hard to separate from birds that are just stubborn one-leggers, most of which can take off and land while keeping one leg tucked away. The scientific name melanoleuca is Greek for 'black and white,' in reference to this bird's plumage. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: medium-sized; long, bright yellow legs; dark bill is longer than the head width. Breeding: brown-black back and wing covers; fine, dense, dark streaking on the head, neck and breast; subtle, dark eye line; light lores. Non-breeding: gray overall; slight streaks on the head. Size: L 13-15 in. (33-38 cm). Range: common migrant and uncommon summer breeder in the Canadian and northern U.S. Rockies; uncommon south of Montana. Habitat: almost all types of wetlands, including beaver ponds, bogs, alluvial wetlands, sedge meadows and lakeshores. Nesting: well hidden in a depression on the ground, usually in open bogs or natural openings in muskeg, and never far from water; nest is built on a dry mound and is sparsely lined with leaves, moss and grass; female incubates 4 eggs for 23 days. Feeding: usually wades in water up over its knees; occasionally snatches prey from the water's surface; commonly sweeps its bill from side to side; primarily eats aquatic invertebrates, but will also eat small fish. Voice: quick, whistled series of tew-tew-tew-tew-tew, usually 3-5 notes. Similar Species: Lesser Yellowlegs: smaller; shorter bill; generally calls in pairs of tews. Willet: black-and-white wings; heavier bill. |
