Western Willet
(Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus)
Range: Western and Central North America
Currently lumped with Eastern Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus semipalmatus) but differs in size, proportions, plumage-coloration, voice, range and ecology. Separation of the two under field conditions is difficult due to considerable variation within each of the subspecies (click here for discussion). Considered by some a candidate for splitting. Western Willets breed in the Great Plains and prairie regions of Manitoba, South Dakota and Nebraska.
Fig. 1. Basic plumaged adult. 2 Aug 2001, Palo Alto, California.
Photo copyright of Angus Wilson© 2001.
Fig. 2. Adult in prebasic molt. 2 Aug 2001, Palo Alto, California.
Photo copyright of Angus Wilson© 2001.
Fig. 3. Adult in prebasic molt. 8 Aug 2001, Moss Landing, California.
Photo copyright of Angus Wilson© 2001.
Click here for images of Eastern Willet.