(Symphemia Semipalmata inornata)
The willet, or stone curlew as it is sometimes called, is a resident
species, breeding from Washington to Mexico. It is a western bird,
ranging eastward to the Mississippi valley, where it is but a
straggler. In size it is nearly as large as the marlin. Its black
wings, with broad, white patches, and feet webbed for about half the
length of the toes, are distinguishing features, easily recognized. It
is generally found on the salt marshes.
=Color=--The general color of the plumage is ashy white or light gray,
usually with some light buff markings on the breast. When flying it
shows a broad, white patch on the wings, caused by the upper part of
the primaries and part of the secondaries being white. Its smoky black
axillars will always distinguish it.
=Nest and Eggs=--The nest is any place on the ground where it can
deposit three or four pale buff eggs, spotted with dark brown.
=Measurements=--Total length, 15-1/2 inches; wing, 8-1/2; bill, 2-1/2
to 2-3/4 inches.