A large, stocky shorebird with contrastingly black-and-white plumage, a long, orange-red bill and sturdy, flesh-colored legs. Head, neck and upper breast black. Upperparts dark brown with black primaries and a white wingbar. Underparts white. In flight, shows a bold white wingbar and a white band across the upper tail. Eye yellow with an orange eye-ring. Juveniles are duller overall, with pale buffy scaling on the back and on wing coverts.

Length: 44 (cm) Wingspan: 81 (cm)

Voice:

A shrill, piping "kleet," often given in long series. Display call an accelerating series of whistles and peeps, much like Black Oystercatcher.

Habitat:

Breeds on islands, along coastal mudflats, and on sandy beaches. Atlantic birds forage almost exclusively on mudflats and beaches, while pacific birds favor rocky shorelines.

Behavior:

Usually occurs in scattered pairs or small flocks on open beaches and along the coastline. Pairs or small groups often engage in loud aerial chases as well as elaborate piping displays on the ground.

Feeding:

Forages singly or in flocks on mudflats, beaches and shell bars. The long bill is used for probing in the mud and for prying open molluscs, the main food source.