Greater Yellowlegs
Tringa melanoleuca
The Greater Yellowlegs is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen on coastal wetlands and estuaries during the autumn and spring migrations. It is most likely to be spotted in the western and southern parts of the country, particularly in areas with suitable habitat such as mudflats and sandy shores.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Greater Yellowlegs in the field.
The Greater Yellowlegs can be identified by its long, bright yellow legs, distinctive black and white barred back, and long, straight bill. Its overall grey and white plumage, with a white rump and dark tail, also helps to distinguish it from other shorebirds.
The Greater Yellowlegs is larger than a Redshank, but smaller than a Curlew, making it a medium to large-sized wader.
The male Greater Yellowlegs has a grey and white plumage with a black and white barred back, and a white belly, with little to no seasonal variation in its appearance.
The female Greater Yellowlegs is similar to the male, with no significant differences in plumage.
The Greater Yellowlegs has a distinctive, high-pitched call that sounds like a sharp "tew-tew-tew" or "tu-tu-tu", often repeated in a series of three or four notes.
The Greater Yellowlegs is a probing feeder, using its long bill to search for small invertebrates in mud and sand, and can be seen walking slowly and deliberately in search of food, often with a slight bounce to its step.
The Greater Yellowlegs can be confused with the Lesser Yellowlegs, but can be distinguished by its larger size, longer bill, and brighter yellow legs, as well as its more barred back and white rump.
Quick Facts
Who's spotted this?
Loading...
Recent community sightings
Loading recent sightings...
