144 
bill of this species, especially the lower line of the under mandible, is very slightly up- 
turned, but that of the Lesser is straight (Figure 169, compare with 170). 
Field Marks. Long, slender, yellow legs, entire lack of ochraceous or warm brown 
colours, and the large amount of white on tail and rump. When once acquainted with it, 
its flight is quite recognizable and its musically whistled notes are very distinctive. The 
two Yellow-legs are separable by size and by the slightly upturned bill of this species. 
Distribution. North and South America. Breeds across the continent, from the 
north edge of the prairies and central British Columbia northward. Migrates throughout 
southern Canada. Both Yellow-legs, together with the Solitary Sandpiper, have the strange 
habit of nodding and teetering. This consists, at irregular but frequent intervals, of a 
quick, spasmodic nodding of the head, or a momentary flexure of the legs and a simul- 
taneous tilting upward of the tail. The nodding in these species is far more common than 
the teetering. It is indulged in at all times and in nearly all circumstances. Even when in 
repose, ever so often a slight nodding movement of the head can bo observed; but when 
excited and nervous, scarcely a movement can be made without being preceded by an 
involuntary dip, and in pauses between action or in moments of irresolution the nodding 
becomes almost frantic. 
The Greater Yellow-legs is one of the best known Shore Birds. Owing 
to its size and comparative numbers it is sought after by sportsmen and it 
seems to have withstood their attacks better than many other apparently 
equally well-adapted species. The two Yellow-legs are amongst the few 
Shore Birds that may be legitimately hunted under the terms of the 
Migratory Birds Convention Act. The Greater prefers marshy shores and 
mud to open sand and may be seen far out on the flats, wading about thigh 
deep, in water too deep for smaller Waders. Its clear, flute-like, tremolo 
whistle in a descending scale is a sound to accelerate the pulse of any true 
sportsman or bird student. This species does not seem so numerous as, and 
is certainly more wary than, the Lesser Yellow-legs; otherwise this descrip- 
tion will do for both. 
255. Lesser Yellow-legs, little tell-tale. 
exactly like the Greater Yellow-legs, but smaller in 
Distinctions. Ordinarily, distinguished from 
the Greater Yellow-legs A)nly by smaller size. 
Careful comparison will show that the bill is 
perfectly straight, whereas that of the Greater is 
very slightly up-turned (Figure 170, compare 
with 169). 
Field Marks. Long, slender, yellow legs; 
entire lack of ochre or brown in coloration ana 
large amount of white in tail and on rump will 
identify it as one of the two Yellow-legs; smaller 
size and perfectly straight bill as the Lesser. The 
Lesser Yellow-legs has the same nodding and 
teetering habits of the Greater, which see. 
Totanus flavipes. L, 10*75. Almost 
size ( See Plate XVIII B). 
Bill of Lesser Yellow-legs* 
natural size. 
