This shorebird is instantly recognized by its slender build, bold pattern, and ridiculously long, bright pink legs. The bill is fairly long, very fine, and slightly upturned. Adult: Upperparts are blackish (shiny black on males, more brownish on females), with a white spot above the eye. The underparts are white. Males in alternate plumage may show a pinkish cast to the underparts. In flight, the white of the rump extends onto the back, and the tail is pale gray. Juvenile: Brownish-black above with pale feather edges creating a scalloped effect.

Length: 35 (cm) Wingspan: 64 (cm)

Voice:

On the breeding grounds, gives a raucous KEK, repeated incessantly.

Habitat:

Ponds, shallow wetlands, flooded fields.

Behavior:

Noisy and aggressive on breeding grounds, often mobbing predators.

Feeding:

Wades while feeding, capturing invertebrates on or near the water's surface.