flightman Posted May 1, 2019 Share Posted May 1, 2019 I can't decide if this is a Lesser or Greater. I measured the bill size relative to the head but still am not certain. Seen April 29th in Lido Beach, NY. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millipede Posted May 1, 2019 Share Posted May 1, 2019 I sometimes have a hard time with these and, sometimes it's easy. I can see the frustration with this bird as the bill does look a little shorter than I might want to see for greater but, to me, it seems bulkier, the body, bill, and more, than I'd expect on a lesser. Looking at Sibley's, the barring on the lower side fits a greater much better than a lesser. Greater has my vote but wait for others... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HamRHead Posted May 2, 2019 Share Posted May 2, 2019 (edited) I agree with millipede on Greater for the same reasons. I believe there is some overlap on bill length between Lesser and Greater or very nearly so. Also primary length here is the same as the tail length, whereas Lesser has longer primary projection. Here is a page that I find to be useful: https://www.thespruce.com/greater-or-lesser-yellowlegs-386349 Edited May 2, 2019 by HamRHead 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flightman Posted May 2, 2019 Author Share Posted May 2, 2019 Thanks HamRHead and millipede. I was hung up on bill length. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.