Tringa semipalmata
The Willet, *Tringa semipalmata*, is a large, stout-billed shorebird, instantly recognizable by its striking black and white wing pattern when in flight, a defining field mark. Measuring between 33-41 cm in length with a wingspan of 69-79 cm and weighing 160-350g, it possesses robust blue-gray legs and a straight to slightly upturned bill. During the breeding season, its plumage is mottled gray-brown above with a finely streaked breast and barred flanks, transitioning to a plainer, uniform gr...
Found in coastal salt marshes, sandy beaches, and mudflats, as well as inland freshwater prairie wetlands and wet grasslands. Primarily inhabits low elevations.
Primarily feeds on crustaceans (crabs, shrimp), marine worms, bivalves, and aquatic insects, supplementing with some small fish. Inland populations rely more heavily on terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates, foraging by probing and sweeping their bill.
Willets are largely diurnal, intensely foraging during low tides in coastal areas and roosting in communal flocks during high tide. Their foraging strategy involves probing in soft mud or sand, often sweeping their bill from side to side, and picking prey from the surface. During the breeding sea...
The Willet has a broad North American distribution. The Eastern Willet (*T. s. semipalmata*) breeds along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas. The Western Willet (*T. s. inornata*) breeds extensively inland in the prairie pothole region, from south-cen...
Least Concern
- Its name, "Willet," is onomatopoeic, mimicking its distinctive "pill-will-willet" call, especially when given in flight. - The Willet is divided into two subspecies: the Eastern Willet (*T. s. semipalmata*) and the Western Willet (*T. s. inornata*), which differ subtly in size, bill shape, and ...