Lesser Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs are Fairly Common in Western Washington from Late July-September.

Habitat

During migration and winter, they occur on coasts, in marshes, on mudflats, and lakeshores. In comparison to Greater Yellowlegs, Lessers are typically found in more protected areas, on smaller ponds. They are less common on extensive mudflats than Greater Yellowlegs. When nesting, they generally use drier, more sheltered sites than their larger counterparts.

Behavior

Lesser Yellowlegs typically occur in tighter and larger flocks than do Greaters, both in flight and while feeding. Like the Greater Yellowlegs, Lessers forage in shallow water outside the breeding season, picking at prey on or just below the water's surface. They are less likely than Greaters to run after their prey, but more likely to scythe their bills back and forth in the water stirring up prey like an avocet. They are typically more approachable than the wary Greater Yellowlegs. They bob the front half of their bodies up and down, a characteristic behavior of this genus. The most common vocalization heard is a two-note flight call.