American Woodcock vs Greater Yellowlegs
Scolopax minor compared with Tringa melanoleuca
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | American Woodcock | Greater Yellowlegs |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scolopax minor | Tringa melanoleuca |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae | Scolopacidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 26.0 cm (10.2 in) | 38.9 cm (15.3 in) |
| Weight | 192.0 g (6.77 oz) | 169.25 g (5.97 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 3-4 | 4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
American Woodcock
Near Threatened
Greater Yellowlegs
About These Birds
American Woodcock
American Woodcock: 25–31 cm, rotund crepuscular wader with cryptic dead-leaf plumage, large eyes set high on the head, and an extremely long flexible bill for probing earthworms. Inhabits moist woodland and shrubby margins in eastern North America; winters in southern US. Famous for spiralling courtship 'sky dance.' Migratory.
Greater Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs: 29–33 cm, large North American shank with yellow legs, slightly upturned bill, and loud ringing call. Breeds on boreal muskeg from Alaska to Newfoundland; winters on wetlands throughout the Americas south to Patagonia. Feeds by wading and sweeping bill through water. More robust than Lesser Yellowlegs. Long-distance migrant.