Tringa flavipes, commonly known as the Lesser Yellowlegs, is native to North and South America. During the breeding season, it is found in North America, particularly in Alaska and Canada. In the non-breeding season, it migrates to Central and South America, including countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.

The Lesser Yellowlegs typically inhabits wetland areas, including marshes, mudflats, shorelines, and lagoons. During the breeding season, it prefers freshwater marshes, bogs, and open wooded areas near water bodies. The ecological conditions consist of moderate to high humidity and a mix of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation.

As a wader bird, the Lesser Yellowlegs occupies a niche as a predator of small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and annelid worms. It plays a role in controlling the population of these organisms and serves as prey for larger avian and terrestrial predators.