Greater (left) photographed by Richard Sterrn in Nova Scotia in Sept04 and the Lesser in Iowa by Kent Nickell in Aug03 These elegant birds are easily confused especially if only one species is present. The Greater has stouter legs with knobbier knees (ankles actually) and a longer bill which is slightly upturned. The Greater's bill is also thicker and has a pale area at the base. The Lesser's bill is slightly larger than the head (defined as bill base to nape) and the Greater's is about 1.5 that distance. The primaries on the Lesser extend further past the tail than the primaries of the Greater. Barring on the belly also favors Greater. Obvious nostrils are also present on the Greater in front of the head.