The Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) is a large shorebird native to North America. It is known for its distinctive high-pitched, three-note call which sounds like “tew-tew-tew”. This call carries far and can often be heard before the bird is seen. The Greater Yellowlegs breeds in marshes and wet meadows across Canada and Alaska and migrates to coastal areas throughout the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America for the winter. In this article, we will explore the unique vocalizations of the Greater Yellowlegs, how its calls are used for communication and territorial defense, and how to identify the species by sound.
Description of the Greater Yellowlegs Call
The most recognizable vocalization of the Greater Yellowlegs is its loud, repetitive three-note flight call. This call is a high-pitched, whistled “tew-tew-tew” sound, with the three notes on the same pitch. The call is often repeated in a series of 8-10 notes as the bird flies. Here is a detailed description of the components of the Greater Yellowlegs flight call:
Pitch
The pitch of the three notes is high, around 2-3kHz. This allows the call to carry long distances. The three notes are all at the same pitch.
Tempo
The notes are delivered in rapid succession, with a tempo around 160 beats per minute. This brisk tempo is part of what gives the call its urgent, ringing quality.
Rhythm
Each “tew” note lasts for about 0.25 seconds, with barely a pause between the notes. This creates a rhythmic, repetitive triplet pattern.
Timbre
The call has a piercing, whistled timbre, which adds to its carrying power.
Functions of the Call
The Greater Yellowlegs uses its flight call for the following key functions:
Staying in Contact with Mate
During the breeding season, a pair of yellowlegs will often stay in contact by calling back and forth. This helps the male and female coordinate their nesting activities and defend their territory together.
Communicating Alarm
When alarmed or threatened, the Greater Yellowlegs will sometimes respond with an accelerated series of the flight call. This communicates distress to its mate and warns other yellowlegs in the area.
Defending Territory
The male Greater Yellowlegs is highly territorial during the breeding season. Its ringing flight call serves to announce its ownership of nesting and feeding grounds. The male will aggressively chase away intruders.
Locating Each Other During Migration
The flight call helps Greater Yellowlegs stay in contact with others during migration. Because it carries long distances, yellowlegs can call back and forth to locate their traveling companions.
Identifying the Greater Yellowlegs by Call
The distinct vocalizations of the Greater Yellowlegs make it possible for birders to identify the species by ear. Here are some tips for confidently recognizing the Greater Yellowlegs by its flight call:
Listen for the Three-Note Pattern
Focus on counting the notes you hear – if they come in a clear series of three whistled notes repeated over and over, it’s likely a Greater Yellowlegs.
Note the High Pitch
Tune into the high pitch, around 2-3kHz. This weedy, whistle-like quality distinguishes it from the lower-pitched calls of dowitchers and godwits.
Time the Brisk Tempo
Clock the tempo when you hear the call. The notes should come in rapid succession, around 160 beats per minute. This brisk clip helps distinguish the call.
Detect the Piercing Timbre
Listen for the ringing, penetrating timbre. This allows the call to cut through ambient noise over long distances.
Scan the Skies Overhead
Since the flight call is often given in flight, scan the skies overhead and look for a lone shorebird or flock with rapidly beating wings.
With practice, birders can learn to recognize the unique vocal profile of the Greater Yellowlegs, even at a distance. Understanding its call is key to identifying this shorebird by sound alone.
Variations in the Call
While the typical flight call is three whistled notes in repetition, the Greater Yellowlegs has some other vocalizations to be aware of:
Softer Two-Note Call
When feeding or loafing, the Greater Yellowlegs may issue a softer, more laid-back call of just two notes. This call isn’t delivered with the urgency of the flight call.
Harsh Single-Note Alarm Call
In response to disturbance, a Greater Yellowlegs may give a single, loud, harsh note, lower in pitch than the flight call. This functions as an alarm or alert.
Rattling Calls During Courtship
Male Greater Yellowlegs perform display flights for females that include distinctive rattling calls. These vocalizations sound faster and lower-pitched than the flight call.
Squeaking Sounds When Agitated
Agitated yellowlegs may mix squeaking notes into their calls or give them independently. These harsh, grating squeaks express a high level of distress.
Comparison to Other Shorebird Species
When identifying Greater Yellowlegs by ear, it helps to compare characteristics to similar shorebird species:
Lesser Yellowlegs
| Lesser Yellowlegs | Greater Yellowlegs |
|---|---|
| Call is two whistled notes | Call is three whistled notes |
| Higher pitch around 3kHz | Lower pitch around 2kHz |
| Faster tempo of 180 bpm | Slower tempo of 160 bpm |
As this table demonstrates, the Lesser Yellowlegs’ call differs in having just two notes at a higher pitch and faster tempo.
Willet
The Willet gives a strikingly different call, with harsh notes descending in pitch and sounding like “pill-will-willet.”
Upland Sandpiper
The Upland Sandpiper’s call is a single whistle which rises in pitch at the end. Its tempo is slower than the Greater Yellowlegs.
Solitary Sandpiper
The Solitary Sandpiper’s call is higher-pitched, thinner, and more musical than the Greater Yellowlegs. Its species name “solitary” reflects how it’s usually heard alone, not in groups.
When and Where to Listen for the Call
Here are some tips on when and where you’re most likely to hear the distinct call of the Greater Yellowlegs:
Spring Migration
Listen for flying flocks calling as they return to northern breeding grounds in March-April. Coastal wetlands and mudflats are top stopover sites.
Breeding Grounds in May-July
Territorial males actively call in northern marshes and bogs. Listen for accelerated calling as they chase intruders.
Fall Migration in August-September
Southbound migrants rest and refuel in coastal estuaries, calling to keep connected.
Wintering Habitat
Listen for softer contact calls as they forage in shallow wetlands and intertidal zones along the southern U.S. coast.
Early Morning and Dusk
Yellowlegs are most actively vocal around dawn and dusk. Take advantage of low ambient noise at these times.
With attentive listening during peak activity periods, you can learn to recognize the iconic flight call of the Greater Yellowlegs.
Conclusion
The vocalizations of the Greater Yellowlegs serve key functions in communication, territoriality, and staying in contact over long migrations. Its far-carrying, high-pitched three-note whistle is one of the signature sounds of wetlands across North America. With practice, bird enthusiasts can master identifying the species by ear. Listening for the brisk tempo, shrill timbre, and repetitive pattern of the flight call will help birders distinguish the Greater Yellowlegs from similar shorebirds. Learning these vocalizations provides a satisfying skill and enhances any wetland birding adventure.
