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Willet

Silhouette SandpipersSandpipers
WilletTringa semipalmata
  • ORDER: Charadriiformes
  • FAMILY: Scolopacidae

Basic Description

Piercing calls and distinctive wing markings make the otherwise subdued Willet one of our most conspicuous large shorebirds. Whether in mottled brown breeding plumage or gray winter colors, Willets in flight reveal a bold white and black stripe running the length of each wing. These long-legged, straight-billed shorebirds feed along beaches, mudflats, and rocky shores. Willets are common on most of our coastline—learn to recognize them and they’ll make a useful stepping-stone to identifying other shorebirds.

More ID Info
image of range map for Willet
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
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Find This Bird

In winter, Willets are easy to spot feeding along the water’s edge. They’re one of the largest common shorebirds, so even though they’re indistinctly marked, you can learn to quickly recognize their overall chunky shape, subdued plumage, and thick, long bill. To be absolutely sure, look for distinctive black-and-white wing markings when they take flight, and listen for the pill-will-willet call that gives them their name.

Other Names

  • Playero Aliblanco (Spanish)
  • Chevalier semipalmé (French)
  • Cool Facts