Tringa melanoleuca, commonly known as the Greater Yellowlegs, is primarily native to North America. During the breeding season, it is found in the northern parts of North America, including Alaska and parts of Canada such as Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and provinces including British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. During the non-breeding season, it migrates southwards to the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and as far south as northern South America, such as Colombia and Venezuela.

The Greater Yellowlegs inhabits a range of wetland environments. During the breeding season, it is typically found near boreal forest wetlands, including marshes, bogs, and the edges of lakes and rivers. These areas are characterized by cool summers and harsh, cold winters. During the non-breeding season, the species frequents coastal estuaries, mudflats, lagoons, and inland wetlands such as ponds, lakeshores, and flooded fields. These habitats are often warm, with tropical to subtropical climates, depending on the region.

The Greater Yellowlegs occupies the ecological niche of a wading bird, with a diet mainly consisting of insects, small fish, and aquatic invertebrates. Its long legs and bill are adapted for foraging in shallow waters. It often uses a tactile hunting method, stirring the water with its feet or bill to catch prey. As a migratory species, its ecological role includes helping maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems by controlling insect and small aquatic animal populations across diverse wetlands.