Photo by Kristin Kohl
Latin Name: Tringa semipalmata
Species: Birds
Conservation Status: S4-5 - Secure
Willets are medium-to-large shorebirds, about the size of a crow, commonly seen along beaches where waves meet the shore. Their plumage is a mottled mix of brown and white on the back, with a lighter underbelly that blends in with sandy environments. While they may not stand out when foraging, they are easily recognized in flight by their striking black wing feathers and bold white wing stripe. Willets also have long gray legs and a straight, slender black bill used for probing sand and mud in search of food.
Range & Habitat (map)
These birds have a wide range along the coastal Americas, breeding as far north as Maine on the East Coast and Washington State on the West Coast, and wintering southward to Brazil and Chile. Western populations breed inland across central and western U.S. wetlands, reaching into Canadian territories, while eastern birds nest along the New England coastline. In South Carolina and throughout the Carolinas, Willets can be seen year-round foraging on beaches, mudflats, marshes, and rocky shores.
Diet
Willets primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates. On coastlines, they probe the sand and mud for worms, crabs, and small clams. Inland populations in freshwater wetlands supplement their diet with aquatic beetles and spiders. Their feeding behavior is often methodical, walking slowly along the water’s edge while pecking or probing with their bills.
Life History
During breeding season, male and female Willets work together to select a nesting site. The male digs a shallow depression in the ground, and the female lines it with grasses for camouflage. Eastern populations typically nest in sand dunes or at the edges of salt marshes among rushes and salt grass. A typical clutch consists of four eggs, which hatch after 22–29 days. Chicks are precocial, meaning they hatch with open eyes and are able to walk within hours. They leave the nest after just one day but remain under parental care for up to four weeks.
Significance
Willets are an important and familiar presence along the South Carolina coast, both as nesting residents and overwintering shorebirds. Their distinctive calls and striking wing patterns make them a favorite for beachgoers and birdwatchers throughout the year.
Threats & How You Can Help
The primary threats to Willets include habitat loss and human disturbance. Nesting areas are often destroyed or degraded when sand dunes are trampled, and feeding or resting birds may be disturbed by people and unleashed pets, causing them to waste vital energy needed for migration and survival. You can help protect Willets and other shorebirds by avoiding walking on dunes, keeping pets leashed, and refraining from chasing or flushing birds while they feed or rest.