greater yellowlegs

The greater yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) is a North American shorebird known for its bright yellow legs. It is larger than the lesser yellowlegs, measuring about 35 cm (14 inches) in length, and has a proportionately longer, slightly upturned bill. This bird is typically gray above and white below, with streaking and flecks of black or dark gray. Greater yellowlegs inhabit marshes and shores, feeding on small aquatic creatures like fish, insects, crabs, snails, and tadpoles. They breed across Canada and Alaska and migrate to wintering grounds ranging from the Gulf of Mexico to southern Chile and Argentina. While generally wary, they can sometimes be mistaken for other Tringa species during their autumn migration to western Europe.12