The Willet has two distinct populations. The Eastern Willet breeds along the Atlantic coast of North America, from Nova Scotia to Mexico and the Caribbean. The Western Willet breeds in inland North America, from southern Canada to northern California and Nevada. Both populations are migratory, wintering along the coasts of North, Central, and South America, with some reaching as far south as Chile and Argentina. The Eastern Willets migrate along the Atlantic Flyway, while Western Willets utilize various routes, including the Pacific and Central Flyways.

The oldest recorded Willet was over 10 years old, based on banding records. Average lifespan is likely shorter.

Coastal salt marshes, Mudflats, Mangrove swamps, Sandy beaches, Prairie potholes (Western Willet), Inland wetlands (Western Willet)

Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical

Willets have long legs and bills adapted for probing in mud and sand for prey. Their slightly webbed feet aid in walking on soft substrates. They are tolerant of a range of salinities, allowing them to utilize various coastal and inland wetland habitats.

There are two recognized subspecies: *T. s. semipalmata* (Eastern Willet) and *T. s. inornata* (Western Willet). The Western Willet is generally larger and paler, with less distinct barring on its underparts in breeding plumage.

Breeding plumage is mottled grayish-brown above and whitish below with barring on the breast and flanks. Non-breeding plumage is plainer gray above and white below. The most distinctive feature is the bold black and white wing pattern, visible in flight in all plumages.

The transition between breeding and non-breeding plumage occurs through molting, typically starting in late summer after breeding and completing by early spring.

There is slight sexual dimorphism, with females tending to be slightly larger and sometimes having slightly less distinct markings.

Bold black and white wing pattern, Long, straight, dark bill, Long, grayish legs

Crabs, Marine worms, Small mollusks, Insects, Small fish

Willets forage by probing in mud and sand with their bills, using tactile sensitivity to locate prey. They also visually hunt for prey on the surface. They often feed along the water's edge, wading in shallow water.

Their long bill is well-suited for probing, and their sensitive bill tip helps them detect prey hidden in the substrate.

Diet can vary seasonally depending on prey availability. During migration and winter, they may rely more on crabs and other crustaceans, while insects may be more important during the breeding season.

Willets are territorial during the breeding season, defending nesting and feeding areas. Outside of the breeding season, they often form flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or even thousands of birds, particularly during migration and at wintering sites.

A loud, ringing *pill-will-willet* call (source of their common name), Various other calls, including alarm calls and contact calls, Visual displays, such as wing-raising and bowing

Willets are long-distance migrants. Eastern Willets migrate along the Atlantic coast, while Western Willets migrate through the interior of North America and along the Pacific coast. Migration is triggered by changes in day length and food availability.

During the breeding season, pairs defend territories. Territory size varies depending on habitat quality and population density. Outside of breeding, they are highly gregarious.

Habitat loss and degradation (due to coastal development, wetland drainage, and pollution), Climate change (sea-level rise, increased storm frequency and intensity), Human disturbance (at breeding and foraging sites), Historical hunting (prior to legal protection)

Migratory Bird Treaty Act (protects Willets in the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia), Various state and federal wildlife refuge programs, International conservation agreements (e.g., Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network)

Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Stable

The global population is estimated to be around 450,000 individuals.

Their bold black and white wing markings make them easily identifiable in flight.

While both are coastal, Western Willets also breed in inland wetlands.

Their loud calls are a common sound in their coastal habitats.

Eastern Willets are smaller and darker, with more barring in breeding plumage. Western Willets are larger and paler. They also have different breeding ranges.

Willets can be seen along the coasts of North, Central, and South America, particularly in salt marshes, mudflats, and beaches. During the breeding season, Western Willets can also be found in inland wetlands.

No, Willets are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, they face threats from habitat loss and climate change.

The name "Willet" is onomatopoeic, derived from its distinctive call, often transcribed as "pill-will-willet."