yellowlegs

Short definition: The word yellowlegs means a slender shorebird named for its bright yellow legs, often seen wading in shallow water, known for its sharp whistling calls and active feeding style along mudflats and marshes.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word yellowlegs? The word yellowlegs is mainly used in birdwatching, wildlife studies, and nature writing. It refers to a well-known shorebird recognized by its long bright yellow legs and clear ringing calls. You will hear it in discussions about wetlands, rivers, lakes, and coastal mudflats, especially in North America. Although not common in everyday conversation, it appears frequently in field guides and birding reports. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and informative.

Forms: yellowlegs
Related: shorebird n., wader n., sandpiper n.
Syllable: yel-low-legs

1. (Noun) A medium to large shorebird with long bright yellow legs and a straight slender bill often seen wading in shallow water.

   Yellowlegs refers to a group of migratory wading birds known for their vivid yellow legs slim build and straight bill, commonly found along wetlands rivers lakes and coastal mudflats where they feed on insects small fish and aquatic invertebrates.

   The yellowlegs waded through the shallow marsh lifting its long legs carefully while probing the water for small prey along the muddy edge.
   Birdwatchers spotted yellowlegs easily because their bright legs stood out clearly against the dark wetland water.
   During migration yellowlegs often stop at inland lakes to rest and refuel before continuing their journey.

   Synonyms: shorebird, wading bird, sandpiper, wetland bird, long legged wader, migratory wader, water edge bird, marsh bird, coastal wader, probing bird, aquatic feeder, migratory shorebird
   Antonyms: forest bird, tree dwelling bird, domestic bird, flightless bird, inland land bird, raptor, seed eating bird, woodland species, urban bird, non migratory bird, ground running bird, landlocked species

2. (Noun) A shorebird known for loud clear calls and alert behavior in open wetland habitats.

   Yellowlegs are also known for their sharp ringing calls and vigilant behavior, often calling repeatedly when disturbed and acting as early warning birds in wide open wetlands and shoreline environments.

   The loud ringing call of a yellowlegs echoed across the wetland as people approached the shallow feeding area.
   Its constant calling made the yellowlegs easy to locate even before it was visible among the reeds.
   Researchers note that yellowlegs are quick to react to movement in exposed habitats.

   Synonyms: vocal shorebird, alert wader, warning bird, vigilant species, loud calling bird, defensive wader, watchful shorebird, signaling bird, protective wetland bird, awareness species, early warning bird, attentive bird
   Antonyms: silent bird, passive species, quiet shorebird, non vocal animal, indifferent bird, unalert species, calm wildlife, non defensive bird, unaware animal, quiet feeder, low response species, inactive bird