ID Keys: Black and white wing pattern in flight. Straight heavy
bill, thick gray legs, plain plumage when not in flight.
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.
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. Nonetheless, they are found over a very wide geographic area and
are quite common in parts of their range.
The IUCN considers the
Willet to be a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information
April
30th, 2005 -- Highway 81 Lakes north of Madison -- Terry L. Sohl
