The Greater Yellowlegs is a tall, long-legged sandpiper with bright yellow legs and a slightly upturned bill. It is notoriously alert and vocal, giving loud three- or four-note 'tew-tew-tew' calls when alarmed, and was historically called the 'tattler' or 'tell-tale' by hunters because it alarmed all other shorebirds. It actively runs after and herds fish in shallow water.
Best time to see a Greater Yellowlegs
The best time to see a Greater Yellowlegs is November–April, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 44,399 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Greater Yellowlegs sightings near you
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