Rather chunky, small plover of Andean salt flats, bogs, and lakeshores. Found singly or in small groups, sometimes associating loosely with other shorebirds such as migrant Baird’s Sandpipers. Plumage distinctive (no seasonal changes), with broad black diagonal mask across the face, a variable rusty cap (males average brighter than females), and only faint dusky breast bands. Juvenile lacks black and rusty head pattern and is rather drab overall, but no similar species in range (soon attains adultlike plumage).