Willet

Catoptrophorus semipalmatus

Willets appear to be rather plain, nondescript shorebirds when at rest, but display a striking black-and-white wing pattern when in flight.  Willets have two distinct subpopulations, one nesting on the freshwater marshes in the interior of the country, and another favoring salt marshes along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

Habitat: Nests near freshwater marshes in South Dakota, preferably near native grasslands.  Occurs in many aquatic habitats during migration and in winter.

Diet: Varies depending on location.  On the northern Great Plains, insects make up a large portion of the diet.  It also feeds on crustaceans, small mollusks, small fish, and some vegetation.  On wintering grounds along the coasts, Willets consume large numbers of crabs and other crustaceans, small fish, and marine worms.

Behavior: Forages by walking along the shore or in shallow water, picking food items off the water or ground's surface, or by probing with its bill.

Nesting: June

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey Map

Song: Willet Song

Migration: Summers in the northern Great Plains and parts of the western U.S.  Winters along coastlines of the U.S., Mexico, and Central America.

Similar Species: Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs

Conservation Status:  Numbers were seriously depleted in the 19th century due to hunting pressure.  Numbers have recovered since, but local declines have been noted in some areas due to habitat loss.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Willet

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Willet

3) eNature.com - Willet

Photo Information: April 30th, 2005 -- Highway 81 Lakes north of Madison -- Terry L. Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Willet photos.