Common Redshank vs Lesser Yellowlegs

The Common Redshank and Lesser Yellowlegs can be distinguished by leg color and bill shape. The Redshank has red legs and a slightly upturned bill, while the Yellowlegs has bright yellow legs and a straight, slender bill.

Look for red legs and a slightly upturned bill on the Common Redshank. The Lesser Yellowlegs will have bright yellow legs and a straight, slender bill. Listen for vocal differences: Redshank's call is more melodic, while Yellowlegs' is sharper.

The Lesser Yellowlegs is generally smaller and more slender than the Common Redshank.

Both species have similar mottled brown plumage, but the Redshank often appears more rufous, especially in breeding plumage.

Lesser Yellowlegs are often seen in small flocks and are more likely to hover above water, while Redshanks are more solitary or in pairs during breeding.

Common Redshanks are typically found in wetlands across Europe and Asia, while Lesser Yellowlegs are found in North American wetlands and migrate to Central and South America.

The Redshank has a distinctive 'tew-tew-tew' call, whereas the Lesser Yellowlegs has a sharper, more piercing 'tu-tu-tu' call.