Dark brown sandpiper with a snowy white belly; in flight looks black above with boldly contrasting white rump. Bobs tail when nervous, but not habitually like Common Sandpiper. Often climbs steeply when flushed and flies quickly with deep wingbeats, swooping around a little like a swallow. Breeds in clearings and marshes in wet forest and woodland; migrants occur in fresh and brackish wetland habitats, especially on muddy shores of lakes and small ponds. Mainly found as singles or small groups, not mixed with other species.