Range
I’m hopeful that the powers-that-be may separate these 2 subspecies into full species status in the future — that way there’s more shorebirds !!
In late April many Eastern Willets have recently returned from their wintering grounds in the Caribbean and South America (some also winter in Texas) and are preparing to breed on the Texas and East Coasts. The Western Willet winters on both coasts of North America including the Gulf Coast, and breeds in the interior of the US and Canada. (Map from Birds of the World website)
Eastern Willet
Eastern Willets are smaller and more richly patterned. They also have a wider and blunter-tipped bill.
The Eastern Willet is most easily identified when it helicopters-up overhead while making a loud racket (as in this composite photo and short video).
Western Willet
The Western Willet is a larger bird, is less richly patterned (more white) and has a longer and very slightly slimmer bill. Many of the Western Willets are still in winter (basic) plumage in April on the Texas Coast, though some are getting into breeding (alternate) plumage.
