Birds of Texas

Greater yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) 14"

 GYL2.GIF (24923 bytes)GYL3.GIF (24031 bytes)

(Click on picture to enlarge)

© 1998 Walter Bauer, Sugar Land, Texas

Field Marks: The bright yellow legs are the mark of this rather large slim sandpiper. It's back is checkered with gray and white. When flying, it appears dark-winged (no wing-stripes) with a whitish rump and tail. Its bill is long and slightly upturned.
Voice: A 3-syllable whistle, whew-whew-whew. .
Where found: Alaska, Canada. Winters south to Tierra del Fuego.
Texas: Migrant (March - May, July - October) in most of the state. Winters mainly along the coast. These were seen in First Colony, Settlers Park, and bayou, Sugar Land, Texas in January 1999.

Habitat: Marshes, mudflats, streams, pond margins, shores.