Tringa flavipes
With a series of continuous, rapid-fire calls, Lesser Yellowlegs streak across the surface of wetlands during spring migration. They stop over in the mountains to forage in shallow pools. These shorebirds prefer to stride along soaked substrates in 1-2 in. (2.5-5.1 cm) of water. Occasionally, when they are disturbed, Lesser Yellowlegs retreat to the tops of spruce trees, using this uneasy perch to scan the surroundings. Lesser and Greater yellowlegs are very similar birds, and both occur in migration through the Rockies. The Lesser's bill is shorter than the length of its head and thinner than the Greater's longer bill. The Greater's bill is also slightly upturned-so slightly that it can be observed one minute and not the next. Even if the exact identity of the bird is not easily found, it is still quite respectable to simply write 'yellowlegs' in your field notes. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: medium-sized; bright yellow legs; dark bill is shorter than the head width; brown-black back and wing covers; fine, dense, dark streaking on the head, neck and breast; subtle, dark eye line; light lore. Size: L 10-11 in. (25-28 cm). Range: uncommon migrant throughout the Rockies. Habitat: sedge meadows, lakeshores, ponds, mudflats and beaver ponds up to the subalpine. Nesting: in the boreal forest; usually in open bogs or natural openings in muskeg; in a depression on a dry mound; nest is sparsely lined with leaves and grass; pair incubates 4 blotched eggs for 22-23 days. Feeding: snatches prey from the water's surface; frequently wades in shallow water; primarily eats aquatic invertebrates, but will also take small fish and tadpoles. Voice: high-pitched tew-tew. Similar Species: Greater Yellowlegs: larger; slightly longer, upturned bill; more heavily streaked underparts in breeding plumage. Solitary Sandpiper: white eye ring; greenish legs. |
