Any incontinence ... to a greater or lesser extent?
Two things:
1. Is this bird incontinent?
2. Is it a Greater or Lesser Yellowlegs?
1. No, well at least not as far as I know. However, a group of these beauties together would collectively be known as an "incontinence" of yellowlegs! Perhaps an unfortunate but understandable term!
2. The Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs are very similar in appearance and yet, surprisingly, they are not, apparently, closely related. If you see them together the size difference is the obvious distinguishing feature. Otherwise, the best way to tell them apart is the length of their bill. The Lesser Yellowlegs' bill is 1 to 1.5 times the width of the head, the Greater Yellowlegs' is 2 to 2.5 times.
I think this guy is a Lesser Yellowlegs, but I might be wrong.
It is on the 2016 State of North America's Birds' Watch List, which includes bird species that are most at risk of extinction without significant conservation actions to reverse declines and reduce threats. It's a rare vagrant to the UK.
This Lesser Yellowlegs is actively foraging in the shallow margins of Upper Myakka Lake in Florida. It's diet includes aquatic and terrestrial insects, crustaceans, snails, worms and small fish.
As always, thank you so much for stopping by and for leaving any comments or faves, they are very much appreciated.
Any incontinence ... to a greater or lesser extent?
Two things:
1. Is this bird incontinent?
2. Is it a Greater or Lesser Yellowlegs?
1. No, well at least not as far as I know. However, a group of these beauties together would collectively be known as an "incontinence" of yellowlegs! Perhaps an unfortunate but understandable term!
2. The Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs are very similar in appearance and yet, surprisingly, they are not, apparently, closely related. If you see them together the size difference is the obvious distinguishing feature. Otherwise, the best way to tell them apart is the length of their bill. The Lesser Yellowlegs' bill is 1 to 1.5 times the width of the head, the Greater Yellowlegs' is 2 to 2.5 times.
I think this guy is a Lesser Yellowlegs, but I might be wrong.
It is on the 2016 State of North America's Birds' Watch List, which includes bird species that are most at risk of extinction without significant conservation actions to reverse declines and reduce threats. It's a rare vagrant to the UK.
This Lesser Yellowlegs is actively foraging in the shallow margins of Upper Myakka Lake in Florida. It's diet includes aquatic and terrestrial insects, crustaceans, snails, worms and small fish.
As always, thank you so much for stopping by and for leaving any comments or faves, they are very much appreciated.