WILLET 



258. Catophophorus semipalmatus. 16 in. 



Bill long and quite stout; feet with small webs be- 

 tween the bases of the toes. Upper parts brownish- 

 gray, more or less speckled with black; most of sec- 

 ondaries and bases of primaries white, very conspicuous 

 in flight, and easily distinguishing it from any other 

 wader of its size. Usually found in small flocks along 

 the edges of marshes; they are said to be quite shy 

 except during nesting season, and to be difficult to de- 

 coy. After breeding they wander northward and are 

 often seen in flocks of other migrating species. When 

 standing on the beach they often, indulge in curious 

 antics, bowing and flirting their tails. 



Notes. A loud, shrill whistle, " pill-will-willet." 



Nest. On the ground; eggs buffy, blotched with 

 brown. 



Range. Breeds from the Gulf to New Jersey; later 

 strays to Mains. 258a, Western Willet (S. s. inornata) 

 is supposed to be slightly larger and paler. Breeds 

 from Texas to Manitoba; winters along the Gulf coast. 



