Distinguishing Characteristics

Large, gray to brownish-gray sandpiper with white lower rump to base of tail and distinctive black-and-white wing pattern; length 33–41 cm; mass 200–330 g. Sexes similar in plumage and overall size, but female slightly larger, especially in mass. Bold white wing-stripe extends across base of primaries and secondaries, which otherwise are black, and is set off by black primary-coverts; from below, stripe also contrasts sharply with blackish wing-linings. In Alternate plumage, head, neck, and remainder of body subtly barred and streaked darker, but Basic plumage largely plain brownish gray. Webbing at base of toes; webbing between outer and middle toes larger than between middle and inner. Differences between Eastern and Western races discussed under Systematics, below.

When in flight, Willet displays unique and distinctive wing-stripe. Flight calls loud and distinctive, with most commonly heard being loud yip, kyah-yah, shrill kreeliilii (when flushed), or ringing pill-will-willet typical of flight display (see Sounds: vocalizations, below). On ground, may be confused with other large shorebirds. About same body size as Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) and distinctly larger than Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca), both of which often associate with Willets; Whimbrel much darker and with curved bill. Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) in Basic plumage generally similar but with upcurved, longer bill with pink base, less white on wing and broad black band on tail; Greater Yellowlegs with yellow legs, thinner bill, and no black-and-white pattern on wings (Wilds 1983).