This species is recognized by its bold black-and-white pattern, long blue-gray legs, and long upturned bill. Alternate Adult: Wings are black with white scapulars and secondaries. The back and underparts are white. The head, neck, and upper breast are buffy orange to cinnamon--about the color of a perfectly toasted marshmallow--with a white eye ring and white around the base of the bill. Sexes are similar, but female's bill is slightly shorter and more strongly curved upward. Basic Adult: Similar to alternate plumage, but the head, neck and upper breast are pearly gray. Juvenile: Similar to alternate adult, but paler cinnamon on neck, and with pale feather edges on black upperparts.

Length: 43 (cm) Wingspan: 69 (cm)

Voice:

Call is a high Wheet, often repeated.

Habitat:

Shallow ponds and alkaline lakes, mudflats, marshes.

Behavior:

Breeds in loose colonies. Aggressively mobs predators near breeding sites.

Feeding:

Usually feeds while wading or swimming, sweeping its bill back and forth through the water. Occasionally pecks at surface of mud.