Willet

(Catoptrophorus semipalmatus)

 

A Willet searches for food in the marsh at Crissy Field.

Will Elder, NPS

 

Natural History: The Willet forages by pecking and probing for invertebrates. It roosts at high tide or in upper wetland areas. This territorial bird uses grass-lined hollow nests created in emergent wetlands near open water. It breeds from April to September. The Willet is a monogamous animal and semicolonial breeders.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this species can be found in areas of tidal sand and rock.

Frequency: This species is abundant during the spring, winter, and fall seasons.

Identifying Characteristics: The Willet has a gray color and can be identified by its stocky bill. Its legs are a dark color. It displays flashy wing patterns in flight.

Presidio Birds main page