Willet
NameWillet
Common NameWillet
Scientific NameTringa semipalmata
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)72.5
Length (cm)37
Weight (g)260
Plumage DetailsNon-breeding plumage is dull gray-brown on the upperparts, with a white belly and faint streaking on the breast. Breeding plumage is more mottled brown with darker barring. The legs are long and bluish-gray, and the bill is long, straight, and dark. In flight, a broad white stripe bordered by black on the flight feathers is highly conspicuous.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, ringing 'pill-will-willet' call, often given repeatedly, especially when disturbed or in flight.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, wetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across North America, from southern Canada to the northern U.S., with distinct eastern and western populations. Winters along the coasts of the southern U.S., Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
Identifying FeaturesLong, straight bill, Gray-brown plumage (non-breeding), Striking black-and-white wing pattern in flight, Loud 'pill-will-willet' call, Long bluish-gray legs
Description
The Willet is a large, stocky shorebird with a long, straight bill and long legs. It is typically seen foraging in shallow coastal waters or wet grasslands, probing for invertebrates. Its most distinctive feature is a bold black-and-white wing pattern, prominently displayed in flight.
