Lesser Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) is in the Sandpipers and Allies family (Scolopacidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 17,507 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

Conservation status (iNaturalist): VU.

When to photograph Lesser Yellowlegs: observations by month (U.S.)

About Lesser Yellowlegs

The lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) is a medium-sized shorebird. The genus name Tringa is the New Latin name given to the green sandpiper by Aldrovandus in 1599 based on Ancient Greek trungas, a thrush-sized, white-rumped, tail-bobbing wading bird mentioned by Aristotle. The specific flavipes is from Latin flavus, "yellow", and pes, "foot".From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Lesser Yellowlegs by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Sandpipers and Allies)

WilletTringa semipalmata

SanderlingCalidris alba

Least SandpiperCalidris minutilla

Spotted SandpiperActitis macularius

Greater YellowlegsTringa melanoleuca

Ruddy TurnstoneArenaria interpres

Marbled GodwitLimosa fedoa

Long-billed CurlewNumenius americanus

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ