Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs
Tringa melanoleuca Tringa flavipes
These two species are very similar but they have some minor differences that can be pointed out with a careful eye. Firstly, they are different in size. As you would expect, the Greater Yellowlegs outsizes the Lesser Yellowlegs. While the Lesser is about 10 inches long, the Greater can reach sizes of up to 15 inches. However, it's not easy to tell size in the wild, so it's easier to tell based on other characteristics.
Another important characteristic is the bill. If you look closely at the bill. The Greater Yellowlegs has a longer bill in proportion to its head, while the Lesser Yellowlegs's bill is stouter and smaller. The Greater Yellowlegs also obtains a paler bill base during the winter. When it is wintertime, it is easy to tell the species apart based on this feature. However, some individuals do not possess this bill. But, if you see the pinkish or grayish bill base it's a Greater. The Greater Yellowlegs's bill is also slightly upturned and fat-tipped.
The song of each bird is also slightly different. The Greater Yellowlegs makes a song of three or four piercing notes, while the Lesser Yellowlegs's call is a few softer whistles. A great video of both birds calling can be found at the Internet Bird Collection: http://ibc.lynxeds.com/video/greater-yellowlegs-tringa-melanoleuca/adult-standing-water-lesser-yellowlegs-foreground.
Another good characteristic to tell the Greater Yellowlegs from the Lesser is in the legs. Although they are both the same color, the heels are larger and thicker on the Greater Yellowlegs. (Note: the knee-like structures are actually heels; the real knees are hidden under the feathers. That is why the legs bend backwards.) If you have a close-up picture, this is a good way to tell the birds apart.
The last way to tell the two yellowlegs species apart is the barring in the underparts. The Greater Yellowlegs has barring that is much more prominent and extends all the way to the flanks in breeding males. Lesser Yellowlegs don't have as much barring in the underparts. However, in the winter and in juvenile birds, the barring isn't that much different between birds. However, do look at the flanks for barring during all plumages.
Other Similar Species
Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus) - This bird is similar to the yellowlegs with the same-colored legs, and it is similar in shape. Although its summer plumage has some rufous on its face, the winter male can be very similar to both species. Being a Calidris sandpiper, it is slightly smaller than both birds. Its bill is also downcurved slightly. Some Stilt Sandpipers also have greenish legs. However, be careful and be sure to keep this species in mind as a possible bird. It, along with the two yellowlegs, has a large range across the United States.
Please note that the photos used on this page are not mine and I don't take credit for owning these photos.
Another important characteristic is the bill. If you look closely at the bill. The Greater Yellowlegs has a longer bill in proportion to its head, while the Lesser Yellowlegs's bill is stouter and smaller. The Greater Yellowlegs also obtains a paler bill base during the winter. When it is wintertime, it is easy to tell the species apart based on this feature. However, some individuals do not possess this bill. But, if you see the pinkish or grayish bill base it's a Greater. The Greater Yellowlegs's bill is also slightly upturned and fat-tipped.
The song of each bird is also slightly different. The Greater Yellowlegs makes a song of three or four piercing notes, while the Lesser Yellowlegs's call is a few softer whistles. A great video of both birds calling can be found at the Internet Bird Collection: http://ibc.lynxeds.com/video/greater-yellowlegs-tringa-melanoleuca/adult-standing-water-lesser-yellowlegs-foreground.
Another good characteristic to tell the Greater Yellowlegs from the Lesser is in the legs. Although they are both the same color, the heels are larger and thicker on the Greater Yellowlegs. (Note: the knee-like structures are actually heels; the real knees are hidden under the feathers. That is why the legs bend backwards.) If you have a close-up picture, this is a good way to tell the birds apart.
The last way to tell the two yellowlegs species apart is the barring in the underparts. The Greater Yellowlegs has barring that is much more prominent and extends all the way to the flanks in breeding males. Lesser Yellowlegs don't have as much barring in the underparts. However, in the winter and in juvenile birds, the barring isn't that much different between birds. However, do look at the flanks for barring during all plumages.
Other Similar Species
Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus) - This bird is similar to the yellowlegs with the same-colored legs, and it is similar in shape. Although its summer plumage has some rufous on its face, the winter male can be very similar to both species. Being a Calidris sandpiper, it is slightly smaller than both birds. Its bill is also downcurved slightly. Some Stilt Sandpipers also have greenish legs. However, be careful and be sure to keep this species in mind as a possible bird. It, along with the two yellowlegs, has a large range across the United States.Please note that the photos used on this page are not mine and I don't take credit for owning these photos.
No comments:
Post a Comment