CONFIRMATION OF EASTERN (Tringa semipalmata semipalmata) AND WESTERN (T. s. inornata) WILLETS IN SOUTHEASTERN SOUTH AMERICA

MARTÍNEZ CURCI N.S.; AZPIROZ AB; GIANUCA, AT; GIANUCA D; DIAS, RA; SIMPSON, RE

Congreso; 5 th Western Hemisphere Shorebird Group Meeting; 2013

The Willet (Tringa semipalmata) is a Nearctic migratory shorebird with two recognized subspecies: the Eastern (T. s. semipalmata) and Western Willet (T. s. inornata). The non-breeding areas of the two subspecies are poorly known, including whether they overlap or not. There are infrequent records of the Willet in southeastern South America, where its status varies from vagrant to regular. We reevaluate the status of Willet in the region and determine the subspecific identity of recorded individuals. Our data support the view that Willets currently show up on a regular basis in small numbers in southeastern South America. In addition, we report the first records of Western Willets in the region (including observations in Buenos Aires, Uruguay and Rio Grande do Sul), thereby extending its wintering range southwards. We also confirm the presence of Eastern Willets in Uruguay based on the analysis of previously published photographic material. Finally, we provide the first records of over-summering Willets for the southern hemisphere.