Plain buffy plover that favors flat open areas with little or no vegetation. Breeding plumage shows contrasting black-and-white face pattern, brown back, buffy-colored side of the neck, and white belly. Nonbreeding similar but with plainer face, but white eyebrow still present. Small black bill; relatively long legs and often upright posture. Breeds in areas with very short grass; often found in flocks in winter, especially in barren areas.