Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
The Greater Yellowlegs is a tall, elegant shorebird easily recognized by its long, vivid yellow legs and slender, slightly upturned bill. In Patagonia, it is a regular migrant visitor, typically seen in wetlands, estuaries, and shallow lakes during the austral summer. Its plumage is mostly gray-brown above with fine streaking and spots, and paler below. This species is highly vocal, often giving a series of sharp, ringing calls when alarmed or in flight. The Greater Yellowlegs is admired for its agility and persistence while foraging, frequently wading briskly through water in search of small aquatic creatures. Its presence in Patagonia highlights the region’s importance as a stopover and wintering ground for migratory shorebirds.
Habitat
Prefers shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands, estuaries, mudflats, and the edges of lakes and ponds.
Foraging
Feeds by wading in shallow water, actively probing and chasing small fish, insects, and crustaceans.
