17 replies to this topic

[Judi]

These shorebird IDs are driving me crazy! Can anyone correctly ID these birds for me? I think the one on the left is a lesser yellowlegs but have no clue on the other. Seen last week at Anahuac NWR near Galveston, TX.

[fisherman1313]

You are correct on Lesser, the other looks a bit like a larger version, so that would make it a...(I left it open , trying to lead you in the right direction)

EDIT: I missed the fact that the OP said the one on the left was Lesser. Joejr14 is correct, the one on the right is the Lesser.

[Joejr14]

The one on the RIGHT is the Lesser. The one one the left would be a _______ Yellowlegs.

[Liam]

Nice comparison shot!

[Parula]

the one on the left is a lesser yellowlegs the one on the right is a solitary sandpiper
i think

[Liam]

the one on the left is a lesser yellowlegs the one on the right is a solitary sandpiper
i think

What makes you think so?
Imho, Solitary Sandpipers look "cleaner". The markings on their breast are smoother. They also have pale bills.
The bird on the left is definitely a Greater Yellowlegs, the longish, dark bill with the pale base eliminate Lesser Yellowlegs.
EDIT:. should make it clear, I say Greater Yellowlegs on the left, Lesser Yellowlegs on the right.

[JimBob]

I am seeing Greater right and Lesser left.

Ups I did this backwards. . . I meant it the other way around. Sorry.

[Parula]

it seems to small for a lesser yellowlegs on the right. the solitary sandpiper must be trans to breeding plumage

[Grandpa577]

Greater (left) and Lesser (right) Yellowlegs. Distinguished by yellow legs (although Lesser appears to only have yellow knees), overall size and bill length.

[Parula]

solitary sandpipers have yellow legs

[Liam]

solitary sandpipers have yellow legs

I don't know the difference, but Sibley's says they have greenish legs.

[Grandpa577]

On the Solitary Sandpiper the head mantle and scapulars are the same color as the coverts, nonbreeding being more subdued than breeding. Only juvenile has a whitish neck but a dark cap and this couldn't be a juvenile at this time of year.

[Parula]

look at the pictures of the solitary sandpiper http://identify.what..._Sandpiper.aspx
is this a lesser yellowlegs http://s1159.photobu...t=IMG_09701.jpg

[Joejr14]

the one on the left is a lesser yellowlegs the one on the right is a solitary sandpiper
i think

There's a 2" difference between Lesser yellowlegs and solitary sandpiper. These birds don't look anywhere near only 2" apart in size.

[TheBillyPilgrim]

On the Solitary Sandpiper the head mantle and scapulars are the same color as the coverts, nonbreeding being more subdued than breeding. Only juvenile has a whitish neck but a dark cap and this couldn't be a juvenile at this time of year.

Agree with it being Greater and Lesser. The right hand bird's head is much too light for a Solitary, which would have similar tones across the head and mantle.

[Parula]

ok you guys win

[Grandpa577]

look at the pictures of the solitary sandpiper http://identify.what..._Sandpiper.aspx
is this a lesser yellowlegs http://s1159.photobu...t=IMG_09701.jpg

SDakotabirds.com has some great photos and insights into a number of different birds including six shots of the Solitary Sandpiper. The second photo is a Lesser Yellowlegs but a poor shot. I highly recommend Terry Sohl's website. Here is a comparison of Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs he put together. Photos are far superior to what is available at Cornell both in number and size.

[fisherman1313]

So, I guess it's not just me who doesn't know his left from his right.