Watercolor portrait of Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes
Common Flutter-song

Learn to identify the Lesser Yellowlegs by ear. Master the "ti-ti-ti-ti-ti" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“ti-ti-ti-ti-ti”

What the Lesser Yellowlegs sounds like

A slim, medium–sized shorebird with striking lemon-yellow legs and a neat, straight dark bill. Lesser Yellowlegs forage energetically in shallow water, often darting and lunging after small prey items. They are noticeably smaller and more delicately built than their look-alike, the Greater Yellowlegs.

“ti-ti-ti-ti-ti”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Given by males in looping display flights over breeding territory; a rapid series of short whistles. Often written as “ti-ti-ti-ti-ti”.
Don't confuse with:The Greater Yellowlegs — noticeably larger (about 25% longer).

Lessons featuring the Lesser Yellowlegs

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

Shorebird Separators lesson habitat
Shorebird Separators
Tier 8 · Edges & Echoes
Sandpiper Switchboard lesson habitat
Sandpiper Switchboard
Tier 11 · The Mixers
Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Breeds across the taiga of Alaska and Canada. Migrates through most of the United States and the Caribbean. Winters from the southern U.S. through Central America to southern South America.

Freshwater and brackish marshes, flooded fields, mudflats, pond margins, and the vegetated edges of lakes and rivers; breeds in muskeg bogs and wet meadows of the boreal forest.

Northbound migration peaks Mar–May; breeding May–Jul; southbound migration Jul–Oct; winters Aug–Apr in the Neotropics.

Similar species

Greater Yellowlegs

Noticeably larger (about 25% longer).

Solitary Sandpiper

Prominent white eye-ring.

Stilt Sandpiper

Bill slightly drooped at tip.

Lesser Yellowlegs song FAQ

What does a Lesser Yellowlegs sound like?
Given by males in looping display flights over breeding territory; a rapid series of short whistles. Listen for the "ti-ti-ti-ti-ti" phrase.
How do I tell a Lesser Yellowlegs from a Greater Yellowlegs by sound?
Greater Yellowlegs: Noticeably larger (about 25% longer).; Bill heavier, slightly up-curved, and longer than head length.; Call a loud, ringing series of 3–5 notes versus Lesser’s softer 2–3 notes..
When is the best time to hear a Lesser Yellowlegs?
Northbound migration peaks Mar–May; breeding May–Jul; southbound migration Jul–Oct; winters Aug–Apr in the Neotropics.