Willet vs Greater Yellowlegs

In short

The Willet and Greater Yellowlegs can be distinguished by their leg color and calls. Willets have gray legs and a distinctive black-and-white wing pattern in flight, while Greater Yellowlegs have bright yellow legs and a piercing alarm call.

Identification tips

• Leg color: Willets have gray legs; Greater Yellowlegs have bright yellow legs.
• Wing pattern: Look for the black-and-white wing pattern on Willets in flight.
• Size and bulk: Willets are larger and bulkier.
• Call: Listen for the distinctive calls; Willets have a 'pill-will-willet' call, while Greater Yellowlegs have a piercing alarm call.
• Habitat: Note the habitat; Willets are more coastal, Greater Yellowlegs prefer wetlands.

Size

Willets are generally larger and bulkier than Greater Yellowlegs.

Plumage

Willets show a striking black-and-white wing pattern in flight, while Greater Yellowlegs have a more uniform plumage with no such pattern.

Behaviour

Greater Yellowlegs are more solitary and less often seen in large groups compared to Willets.

Habitat

Willets are often found in coastal habitats like tidal mudflats and saltmarshes, whereas Greater Yellowlegs prefer fresh and saline wetlands across the Americas.

Voice

Willets have a 'pill-will-willet' call, while Greater Yellowlegs are known for their piercing alarm calls, described as 'telltale' or 'tattler.'