Watercolor portrait of Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes
Breeds across the taiga of Alaska and Ca… Freshwater and brackish marshes, flooded… 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
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Where you'll hear it

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.