Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs and Willets
Apr 28, 2022 20:15:35 #
These three shore species were prevalent at Edwin Forsythe Preserve last Friday, 4/22/22. Fortunately a birder friend was with me and informed me of the differences among them. To the casual birding photographer (me) they all looked the same - but now I know:
The greater yellowlegs' bill is roughly 1.5 times the length of its head, while the lesser yellowlegs' bill is barely longer than its head length. The greater yellowlegs' bill also has a very slight upturn and is thicker, particularly at the base, while the lesser yellowlegs' bill is straight and thinner. Both have black bills.
Willets are stockier with a thicker straight bill that isn't all black and long non-yellow legs.
20220422_Greater Yellowlegs_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_6002pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr
20220422_Greater Yellowlegs_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_7324pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr
20220422_Greater Yellowlegs_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_8230pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr
20220422_Lesser Yellowlegs_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_6581pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr
20220422_Lesser Yellowlegs_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_6675pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr
20220422_Willet_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_5906pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr
20220422_Willet_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_7317pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr
The greater yellowlegs' bill is roughly 1.5 times the length of its head, while the lesser yellowlegs' bill is barely longer than its head length. The greater yellowlegs' bill also has a very slight upturn and is thicker, particularly at the base, while the lesser yellowlegs' bill is straight and thinner. Both have black bills.
Willets are stockier with a thicker straight bill that isn't all black and long non-yellow legs.
20220422_Greater Yellowlegs_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_6002pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr20220422_Greater Yellowlegs_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_7324pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr20220422_Greater Yellowlegs_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_8230pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr20220422_Lesser Yellowlegs_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_6581pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr20220422_Lesser Yellowlegs_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_6675pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr20220422_Willet_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_5906pr by Elliott Cobin, on Flickr20220422_Willet_ Edwin Forsythe Preserve_7317pr by Elliott Cobin, on FlickrApr 28, 2022 20:23:26 #
Great set Elliot. Is there a large size difference between the 2 yellow legs?
Apr 28, 2022 20:42:24 #
jdtonkinson wrote:
Great set Elliot. Is there a large size difference between the 2 yellow legs?
Thanks, Jim. Not that I could see - maybe if they were together I might see a difference.
Apr 28, 2022 20:46:42 #
Apr 28, 2022 21:28:46 #
Apr 28, 2022 21:52:28 #
ecobin wrote:
These three shore species were prevalent at Edwin ... (show quote)
Very nice set Elliott,
You were fortunate to have a knowledgeable friend with you.
Im struggeling to seperate Long Bill and Short Bill Dowitchers right now. Bombay Hook seemed flush with them on Monday
Apr 28, 2022 22:26:53 #
Apr 29, 2022 01:51:12 #
Nicely done Elliott. As you portray the difference between Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs is easily apparent
Apr 29, 2022 02:42:26 #
Apr 29, 2022 05:25:25 #
ecobin wrote:
These three shore species were prevalent at Edwin ... (show quote)
Excellent set Elliott. Thanks for the info on the difference
Apr 29, 2022 05:26:52 #
ecobin wrote:
These three shore species were prevalent at Edwin ... (show quote)
Fantastic set of images!!! Elliott
Apr 29, 2022 06:02:11 #
Apr 29, 2022 07:22:16 #
Apr 29, 2022 07:29:03 #
Apr 29, 2022 08:13:51 #
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