This rare visitor from Asia is very distinctive in alternate plumage, but birds in basic plumage might go unnoticed among similar Semipalmated Plovers. In all plumages, note the leg color (blackish gray to gray-green) and the lack of a white collar. The bill is noticeably smaller than that of the similar Greater Sand-Plover. Alternate Male: Bright rufous breast and hind-neck. The bold facial pattern includes a black mask, forecrown and lores. The forehead and throat are white, with a variable black border separating the throat from the breast. Upperparts are a uniform gray-brown. The belly and vent are white. Alternate Female: Paler rufous on breast. Facial pattern similar to male, but with brown instead of black. Basic Adult: Upperparts gray-brown, extending to sides of breast, sometimes forming a complete breast band. Note whitish supercilium and white forehead. Underparts are white. Juvenile: Very similar to basic adult, but with pale scaly pattern on wing coverts. Legs usually gray, but can be greenish. In flight, note the thin pale wing stripe and the ill-defined dark broad subterminal band on the tail.

Length: 18 (cm) Wingspan: 38 (cm)

Habitat:

Nests on tundra. Migrants found on coastal beaches and mud flats.

Behavior:

Often flocks with other small plovers.

Feeding:

Pick invertebrates from the surface of the mud.