Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca)
The Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) is a prominent North-American shorebird recognized for its long, slightly upwards curved beak and striking yellow legs. Known for its migratory behavior, this species spends summers in the southern regions of Canada, foraging in shallow waters for insects, small fish, crustaceans, and marine worms.
Common Names
| 🇨🇦 | Greater Yellowlegs |
| 🇫🇷 | Grand Chevalier |
| 🇩🇪 | Großer Gelbschenkel |
| 🇲🇽 | Pitotoy grande, Chorlo mayor de patas amarillas, Archibebe patigualdo grande |
Taxonomy
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
Characteristics
| Length | 29-40cm |
| Weight | 111-250g |
| Wingspan | 60cm |
| Clutch Size | 3-4 eggs |
| Incubation | 23 days |
| Fledging | 18-20 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 2 years |
Explore More
📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.
Identification and Whereabouts
The Greater Yellowlegs bears a resemblance to the Lesser Yellowlegs, yet it can be distinguished by its notably long, slightly upward-curved beak.
To date, I have observed this species in Newfoundland and Tadoussac, though it has eluded me in the vicinity of Montreal.
All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz
Last updated: 2025-01-03