Shore birds of the Chaplin Lake
Willet
Willet
This large, grayish, straight-billed shorebird has gray-blue legs. It is most highly visible in flight when it flashes its distinctive visible black and white wing pattern.
Even though it typically inhabits shorelines, it nests in grasslands, sometimes at great distance from water. Nests are built shortly after arrival in early May, in slight depressions which are lined with grasses and weeds. Eggs are incubated for 22 days by both the males and females of the species. Flocks often migrate south to winter grounds which extend from the southern United States to Peru and Brazil. Adults often leave before their young have fully matured. The new birds follow when they are able to make the journey.
Previous Section -- Upland Sandpiper
Return to Contents
