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.
| 🇫🇷 | Grand Chevalier |
| 🇩🇪 | Großer Gelbschenkel |
| 🇲🇽 | Pitotoy grande, Chorlo mayor de patas amarillas, Archibebe patigualdo grande |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
How to Identify
The Greater Yellowlegs bears a resemblance to the Lesser Yellowlegs, yet it can be distinguished by its notably long, slightly upward-curved beak.
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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 |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
To date, I have observed this species in Newfoundland and Tadoussac, though it has eluded me in the vicinity of Montreal.