Willet (Tringa semipalmata)

Identification & Behavior: ~37 cm (14.5 in). The Willet in basic plumage is all gray with a pale belly. In alternate plumage, it shows black specks in the belly. It has a long bill and relatively long graying legs. It is best distinguished from other similar shorebirds by the distinctive black and white color pattern of the wing shown when the bird is in flight. See Greater Yellowlegs and Short-billed Dowitcher.

Status: The Willet is a common Boreal migrant present in Peru during the months of September through April. Some individuals overwinter in Peru. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Playero de Ala Blanca.

Sub-species: Willet (Tringa semipalmata inornata), Brewster 1887.
(T. s. semipalmata), J. F. Gmelin 1789.

Meaning of Name: Tringa: Gr. A white wagging tail bird mentioned by Aristotle without being completely identified, but taken by later authors as a torch or wagtail. semipalmata: L. semi= small, half and palmata= webbed between the fingers.

See more of the Family Scolopacidae