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Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

The Greater Yellowlegs is a tall, wading bird with long legs and a long bill. They are known for their beautiful yellow legs and can often be seen near water, searching for food.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Greater Yellowlegs is a medium-sized shorebird with very long, bright yellow legs and a slender, slightly upturned dark bill. Its upperparts are streaky gray-brown, contrasting with its clean white belly. This makes its striking legs stand out from other shorebirds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusTringa
Greater Yellowlegs
feathered trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgewetland trait badgecarnivorous trait badge
Greater Yellowlegs

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby yellowlegs can leave the nest and find food just one day old!

Sometimes they wade so deep their whole head goes underwater!

Their flexible bill tip helps them find worms underground!

They migrate further than almost any other shorebird!

Special abilities

Ability

Bill Sensor

Greater Yellowlegs can detect hidden prey by probing mud, thanks to sensitive nerve endings in their bill tip.

Ability

Deep Wader

Greater Yellowlegs has super long yellow legs that help them wade into deeper water to catch food.

Ability

Air Marathoner

Greater Yellowlegs has powerful wings that help them fly thousands of miles during incredible migrations.

Measurements & details

Length
29-40 cm
Wingspan
66-76 cm
Weight
0.12-0.22 kg
Lifespan
5-15 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
3-4
Incubation
22-25 days
Migration Distance
10000 km

Diet & Feeding

They mostly eat small fish, aquatic insects, and tiny crustaceans caught in shallow waters.

Primary Foods

  • small fish
  • aquatic insects
  • crustaceans
  • marine worms

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Greater Yellowlegs?

29-40 cm

What is Greater Yellowlegs's wingspan?

66-76 cm

How much does Greater Yellowlegs weigh?

0.12-0.22 kg

How long does Greater Yellowlegs live?

5-15 years

How fast can Greater Yellowlegs move?

60 km/h

What does Greater Yellowlegs eat?

They mostly eat small fish, aquatic insects, and tiny crustaceans caught in shallow waters.

Where is Greater Yellowlegs usually found?

Wetlands

How does Greater Yellowlegs hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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