Adult: Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs are similar in migratory patterns and feeding habits and almost identical in appearance except for size. It is easy to identify them if, as is often the case, they are observed in company. If luck would have it that you find only one yellowlegs, there are other ways to proceed.

Lesser’s short, soft call is a mellow “tew” or “tew tew.” Greater’s clear ringing staccato “tew” sounds 3-5 times. If the birds are silent and you are close enough, compare the bills: Lesser’s straight black bill is roughly equal to the head length while Greater’s is wide at base and longer, about 1 1/2 times as long as the head.

Lesser has long yellow legs and is less heavily marked at all seasons. In the winter bird, neck and breast are streaked, belly white. In flight, a white rump patch is visible.

Breeding Plumage: Lesser’s neck and head are delicately black-streaked, back mottled and sides barred.

Immature: Lesser Yellowlegs juv appears more brownish than adult with heavier breast streaking.

Habitat: Pools, marshes, tidal mudflats, agricultural areas. Lesser walks purposefully in shallow to belly-deep water, prob-ing for snails, insects, worms and small fish. Greater may go rapidly, helter-skelter, skimming the surface and sweeping its bill. Both are always on the move, bobbing heads and tails.

Both yellowlegs are winter residents of Florida, August - May. They breed in the tundra and swampy subartic forests.

Text by Mary Jean Rogers, West Volusia Audubon.