General

Lesser Yellowlegs: Large sandpiper with gray and black mottled upperparts, white underparts and streaked upper breast and sides. Bill is straight and uniformly dark gray. White lower rump and dark-barred tail are visible in flight. Legs are long and yellow. Sexes are similar. Winter adult and juvenile are paler.

Range and Habitat

Lesser Yellowlegs: Breeds from western Alaska and Canada east to western Quebec. Spends winters on coasts from southern California and Virginia southward, and along the Gulf coast. Preferred habitats include coastal mudflats, pans and lagoons, inland lakes, ponds, rivers, sewage works, and flooded grasslands.

Breeding and Nesting

Lesser Yellowlegs: Three to four buff to yellow or gray eggs with brown blotches are laid on a pile of leaves and vegetation near water. Incubation ranges from 22 to 23 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Lesser Yellowlegs: Feeds on aquatic insects and other invertebrates; usually forages on mudflats or in shallow water.

Vocalization

Lesser Yellowlegs: Utters a high-pitched "tew", sometimes repeated.

Similar Species

Lesser Yellowlegs: Wood Sandpiper is smaller and has green legs and feet. Greater Yellowlegs is larger and has a slightly upturned bill.