Definition & Meaning of "willet"

What is a "willet"?

A willet is a medium-sized shorebird with a long, slender bill and a striking appearance. It has a gray-brown plumage with black and white markings, including bold black stripes on its wings. The willet is known for its distinctive piercing call, often heard along coastal areas and marshlands. This bird is skilled in foraging, probing its long bill into the sand or mud to find small invertebrates and crustaceans. With its swift and agile flight, the willet can cover long distances during migration, making impressive journeys between its breeding and wintering grounds. Its adaptability to different habitats and its remarkable navigational abilities make the willet a remarkable species of the shorebird family.