Uncommon to locally fairly common; breeds locally in bogs and wet grassy meadows. Migrants occur in almost any wetland habitat, from reservoirs and fields to coastal mudflats. Feeds by probing and picking, often while in shallow water. Plumage highly variable (especially in breeding males, which have distinctive neck ruffs). Nonbreeding birds can be confusing. About the size of Redshank but with medium-length, slightly decurved bill, fairly long legs (legs vary from dark grayish to bright orange). Flight often rather lazy, with deep floppy wingbeats; note white underwings, white sides to rump, and feet projecting well past tail.