Greater Yellowlegs (alternate)
The Greater Yellowlegs is a large robust shorebird with long yellow legs and a sturdy, longish and slightly kinked upward bill. Like all shorebirds it is most colorful in its alternate plumage. It also has more barring on its flanks in alternate.
Greater Yellowlegs (basic)
Comparisons
Greater Yellowlegs vs Lesser Yellowlegs
The Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs can be distinguished by comparison of the bill length with the length of the head. As shown below, the Lesser’s bill is approximately the same length as the head is wide, while the Greater’s bill is about 1.5 times the width of the head.
The Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs are directly compared in the photos below. Note that the Greater has an overall more robust structure, while the Lesser is usually more delicate. When directly compared the Greater is much larger and in alternate plumage has more barring on the flanks. Also note the slightly up-turned bill of the Greater, while the Lesser’s bill is very straight.
