Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
- IdentificationVisual tips about this species
- BehaviourHabitat, behaviour, and food
- PopulationSubspecies and numbers
- ReproductionNesting and eggs
Identification
The Lesser Yellowlegs is altogether more delicate-looking than Greater Yellowlegs. The head and, especially, the fine bill of a Lesser Yellowlegs gives an impression rather like that of a Marsh Sandpiper whereas a Greater Yellowlegs has a thicker-looking head and neck and a stouter, slightly up-turned bill and therefore looks much more like a Greenshank.
Ageing
Plumage in juveniles as Greater Yellowlegs, i.e. generally darker. Lesser's moult later than Greater, with birds showing juvenile plumage well into the autumn.
Voice
The ‘tew’ call is higher-pitched and lacks the ‘ringing’ quality of the Greater Yellowlegs, which to me sounds just like a Greenshank.
Sexing
Sexes alike
Length
27cm
Migration
From breeding grounds in central Alaska through to Canada, birds migrate in autumn to West Indies and South America, moving earlier in autumn than Greater Yellowlegs, and returning later in spring.
Habitat
Their favoured habitat is freshwater pools and marshes.
Food
Aquatic insects, small fish and crustaceans.
Subspecies
Only one race occurs within the region.
Population in Britain and Ireland
Vagrant
Where in Britain and Ireland
265 records in Britain and Ireland during 1958-2000. Occurrence ratio of nearly 11 Lesser’s to every 1 Greater. Recent records include some long stayers, present for up to eighteen months.
Population in Europe
Vagrant
Nests
A shallow depression, lined with leaves and grass, constructed in shadow of log or stump.
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