Lesser Yellowlegs vs Willet

In short

The Lesser Yellowlegs and Willet can be distinguished primarily by size and bill shape. Lesser Yellowlegs are smaller with slender, straight bills, while Willets are larger with thicker, slightly upturned bills. Both species have yellow legs, but Willets have a more robust build.

Identification tips

• Size and Bill Shape: Lesser Yellowlegs are smaller with slender, straight bills; Willets are larger with thicker, slightly upturned bills.
• Plumage: Willets have a distinctive white wing stripe in flight.
• Habitat: Willets are more often found in coastal habitats.
• Vocalization: Listen for the high-pitched call of the Lesser Yellowlegs versus the louder 'pill-will-willet' of the Willet.

Size

Lesser Yellowlegs are medium-sized shorebirds, smaller than the larger, more robust Willet.

Plumage

Lesser Yellowlegs have a more delicate appearance with a finer pattern of speckling, while Willets have a plainer, more uniform grayish-brown plumage. In flight, Willets show a distinctive white wing stripe.

Behaviour

Lesser Yellowlegs often travel in small, loosely structured flocks, while Willets are more solitary or found in pairs. Both species are active foragers but Willets may appear more deliberate in their movements.

Habitat

Lesser Yellowlegs frequent a variety of wetland habitats including marshes and mudflats, while Willets are more commonly found in coastal areas like tidal mudflats and salt marshes.

Voice

Lesser Yellowlegs have a distinctive, high-pitched call, while Willets produce a louder, more repetitive 'pill-will-willet' call.