Willet

Tringa semipalmata

Breeds across the North American prairie… During the breeding season Willets occup… Common Territorial Song

Learn to identify the Willet by ear. Master the "pill-will-willet, pill-will-willet" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“pill-will-willet, pill-will-willet”

What the Willet sounds like

The Willet is a large, robust shorebird best known for the blinding white flashes it reveals in the wings when it takes flight. On the ground it can look rather plain-gray, but in the air its bold pattern and loud, ringing calls make it unmistakable.

“pill-will-willet, pill-will-willet”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A clear, ringing series of three-note phrases given in rapid succession by displaying males during low, rowing flight over breeding territory. Often written as “pill-will-willet, pill-will-willet”.

Don't confuse with:The Greater Yellowlegs — yellowlegs are slimmer with bright yellow legs

Lessons featuring the Willet

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Willet's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Shoreline Shouters

Tier 5 · Wet Feet & Watchpoints

Shorebird Separators

Tier 8 · Edges & Echoes

Sandpiper Switchboard

Tier 11 · The Mixers

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Where you'll hear it

During the breeding season Willets occupy grassy and brushy wetlands of the interior prairies as well as saltmarshes along the Atlantic Coast. In migration and winter they favor beaches, mudflats, mangroves, lagoons and rocky shorelines.

Breeding April–July; southbound migration July–October; wintering November–March; northbound migration March–May.

Similar species

Greater Yellowlegs

Yellowlegs are slimmer with bright yellow legs

Marbled Godwit

Godwit is larger with up-curved bicolored bill

Lesser Yellowlegs

Much smaller and more delicate

Willet song FAQ

What does a Willet sound like?

A clear, ringing series of three-note phrases given in rapid succession by displaying males during low, rowing flight over breeding territory. Listen for the "pill-will-willet, pill-will-willet" phrase.

How do I tell a Willet from a Greater Yellowlegs by sound?

Greater Yellowlegs: Yellowlegs are slimmer with bright yellow legs; Bill is thinner and slightly up-curved; No bold white wing stripe in flight.

When is the best time to hear a Willet?

Breeding April–July; southbound migration July–October; wintering November–March; northbound migration March–May.