This rare visitor from Greenland is brown overall, with a darker brown head and neck. The wing coverts and tertials are grayish-brown with crisp white edges. A white line often separates the folded wings from the darkly barred flanks. The belly, undertail coverts, and rump are white. This species has a rather short thick neck and stubby bill. The base and tip of the bill are black with an area of pink in between. The legs and feet are pink, giving this bird its name. In flight, the grayish upperside of the wings contrast with the brown back. The tail is brown with obvious white edges. Juvenile: Similar to adult, but lacks barring on flanks. Legs and feet may be orange.

Length: 60 (cm) Wingspan: 135 (cm)

Habitat:

Tundra, pastures, agricultural fields, freshwater marshes.

Behavior:

Nests on cliffs in the Arctic. Forms large feeding flocks in winter.

Feeding:

Feeds on grasses and crops, sometimes causing extensive agricultural damage.