Habitat

Breeds throughout boreal zone, in muskeg, wet bogs with small wooded islands, and forests (usually coniferous) with abundant clearings. Areas characterized by wet, hummocky ground, covered with mosses, lichens, and sedges and interspersed with slightly higher and drier areas of low shrubs—e.g., sweet gale (Myrica gale), dwarf arctic birch (Betula nana)—and grasses. Breeding areas generally have many small ponds or lakes, sometimes sloughs (Bent 1927, Peck and James 1983), and scattered tall trees used as perches. Also in deciduous woods on ridges above muskeg meadows (T. Randall in Bannerman 1961), in open lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) stands near meadows, in wet meadow, and in dry, burned willow (Salix spp.) areas (Campbell et al. 1990). Some suggestion that recently burned ridges covered with grasses may be favored in Alberta and Manitoba (T. Randall in Bannerman 1961, L. Oring pers. comm.). Also breeds in subarctic tundra and subalpine scrub (Bent 1927, Johnsgard 1981), on offshore islands, and along mainland shores. Where sympatric with Lesser Yellowlegs, often in similar habitat, although may prefer more open habitat (Rowan 1930). Individuals nesting close to coast in s. Alaska fly between breeding areas and coastal marshes to feed (TLT). Young broods are led to ponds with shallow margins, abundant emergent vegetation, and a few small, shrub-covered islands.

Wide variety of wetland habitats: coastal marshes, mudflats, lakes, small ponds, rain pools, slow-flowing rivers, seasonal wetlands, swamps, grassy meadows, evaporation ponds, sewage ponds, and flooded agricultural fields (especially rice paddies). Where feeding habitats are tidal, will roost on offshore rocks, reefs, rocky beaches, fallen trees, etc. Uses wetlands ranging from sea level to 4,100 m (Meyer de Schauensee and Phelps 1978). In coastal areas, most common on tidal flats, shallow lagoons, and pools high on salt marsh (Spaans 1978, Gill and Jorgensen 1979, Hicklin 1987, Morrison and Ross 1989, Hayes and Fox 1991). In Humboldt Bay, CA, highest densities in tidal sloughs and freshwater marshes (Gerstenberg 1979). In Humboldt Co., CA, 96.5% of birds seen in water; remainder used cobble, sand, and mud habitats (n = 141; Colwell 1993). In Central Valley, CA, most common in managed wetlands and flooded rice fields (Shuford et al. 1994). At inland sites in s. U.S. and South America, commonly uses flooded rice fields (Spaans 1978, Remsen et al. 1991). Also, common on pampas of South America, wherever shallow pools occur (Bent 1927, Myers and Myers 1979). Uses wet-lands with vegetation that is taller than that in habitats of other shorebirds (Colwell and Dodd 1995, CSE).