Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

Common Courtship Song

Learn to identify the Greater Yellowlegs by ear. Master the "klew-klew-klew-klew…" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“klew-klew-klew-klew…”

What the Greater Yellowlegs sounds like

The Greater Yellowlegs is a tall, graceful shorebird best known for its strikingly long, lemon-yellow legs and emphatic, ringing calls that carry over coastal marshes. Larger and bolder than its close cousin the Lesser Yellowlegs, this species frequents a variety of shallow-water habitats during migration and winter, deftly sweeping its long bill side-to-side to seize small aquatic prey. Its crisp white underparts, mottled gray-brown upperparts, and slightly upturned bill give it a dapper appearance that stands out among other shorebirds.

“klew-klew-klew-klew…”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:During aerial displays on the breeding grounds, males give a rapid, repeated series of clear whistles while circling high above the muskeg. Often written as “klew-klew-klew-klew…”.

Don't confuse with:The Lesser Yellowlegs — noticeably smaller—about 25% shorter overall.

Lessons featuring the Greater Yellowlegs

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Greater Yellowlegs's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Shoreline Shouters

Tier 5 · Wet Feet & Watchpoints

Shorebird Separators

Tier 8 · Edges & Echoes

Sandpiper Switchboard

Tier 11 · The Mixers

Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Breeds across Alaska and Canada’s boreal zone; migrates through the United States and Central America; winters along U.S. coasts, the Caribbean, Mexico, and south to southern South America.

Freshwater and brackish marshes, mudflats, flooded fields, estuaries, and the edges of ponds, lakes, and rivers; breeds in muskeg bogs and open spruce or tamarack wetlands across the boreal forest.

Present on North American breeding grounds from late April to August; widespread migrant March–May and July–October; winters primarily September–April in coastal and southern regions.

Similar species

Lesser Yellowlegs

Noticeably smaller—about 25% shorter overall.

Willet

Much stockier with gray legs and a thick gray bill.

Solitary Sandpiper

Smaller size with greenish legs.

Greater Yellowlegs song FAQ

What does a Greater Yellowlegs sound like?

During aerial displays on the breeding grounds, males give a rapid, repeated series of clear whistles while circling high above the muskeg. Listen for the "klew-klew-klew-klew…" phrase.

How do I tell a Greater Yellowlegs from a Lesser Yellowlegs by sound?

Lesser Yellowlegs: Noticeably smaller—about 25% shorter overall.; Shorter, straight bill equals head length and appears needle-thin.; Calls are softer, typically a two-note whistle instead of Greater's three-note series..

When is the best time to hear a Greater Yellowlegs?

Present on North American breeding grounds from late April to August; widespread migrant March–May and July–October; winters primarily September–April in coastal and southern regions.