Welcome back, nature enthusiasts, to our ongoing exploration of Costa Rica’s incredible avian diversity! Today, we turn our gaze towards the wetlands and shores, where a striking and vocal shorebird, the Willet (Tringa semipalmata), wades and calls.

The Willet is a relatively large sandpiper, the biggest among the “shanks” group in the genus Tringa. Its robust build and striking black and white markings make it an easy bird to identify. During breeding season, the Willet boasts a rich brown cap and a bold white supercilium (eyebrow) contrasting with its dark back. The underparts are white, with some birds showing subtle barring on the breast. But the star of the show is undoubtedly the wing – a dazzling display of bold black and white stripes visible in flight.

While Willets are widespread across North and South America, Costa Rica offers birders a chance to encounter two distinct populations:

• Eastern Willet: These birds favor saltmarshes and sandy beaches, particularly along the Pacific Coast. Look for them along the shores of Guanacaste and Puntarenas, where they forage for crustaceans, worms, and small fish.
• Western Willet: This population prefers freshwater habitats like marshes, ponds, and rivers. You might spot them near the shores of Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge or along the banks of the Tarcoles River, where they share the spotlight with the impressive crocodiles.

A Songbird in Disguise?

While the Willet’s long bill and foraging techniques scream “shorebird,” its vocalizations might surprise you. Unlike the shrill calls of many sandpipers, the Willet’s song is a surprisingly melodic series of whistles, toots, and bubbling notes. This rich and varied soundscape has earned it the nickname “the singer among the sandpipers.”

Witnessing the Willet’s Grace

Here at our mountain retreat, while Willets might not be our most frequent visitors, there’s always a chance to spot them along the lower-lying streams and ponds bordering the property. Birdwatchers venturing to the Pacific or Caribbean coasts during the winter months (November to April) are more likely to encounter these fascinating birds.

Whether you witness them gracefully wading through the shallows or soaring across the sky with their striking wings on display, the Willet is a captivating addition to any Costa Rican birding adventure.

Keep an eye out for our next blog post, where we’ll explore another feathered gem of the Costa Rican rainforests!

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica