Either of two species (genus Tringa , family Scolopacidae) of shorebirds.
They have trim, gray-brown and white streaked bodies; long bills; and long, bright yellow legs. Both species breed in Canada and winter in South America and eat small fish and other aquatic creatures. The lesser yellowlegs ( T. flavipes ), about 10 in. (25 cm) long, appears in sizable flocks on mudflats during migration; it has a flat call of one or two notes. Less common is the greater yellowlegs ( T. melanoleuca ), which is about 14 in. (35 cm) long and has a longer, stouter, slightly upturned bill; its call is a clear three-note whistle.
Lesser yellowlegs ( Tringa flavipes )
Mary M. Tremaine
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