Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes is a North American shorebird recorded as a vagrant in New Zealand. It differs from greater yellowlegs through its smaller size, finer straight bill and less forceful call. It is slender and grey-brown with white underparts and vivid yellow legs. The bill is dark, straight and only slightly longer than the head.

New Zealand records are exceptional and occur mainly at large wetlands or estuaries. The species breeds in boreal North America and winters farther south in the Americas. It wades actively for aquatic insects, fish and crustaceans. Birds sweep the bill through water or chase mobile prey.

The New Zealand classification is Vagrant. There is no reliable site; Pūkorokoro Miranda and Lake Ellesmere have hosted rare American waders.