Small shorebird, falls into category called "peeps." Longer, droopier bill than Semipalmated Sandpiper, with larger head and more front-heavy shape. In summer, shows rich rufous tones on shoulders, cheeks, and crown. Pale gray above in winter. Often in large flocks on coastal mudflats and beaches. More common in the western U.S. than the east. Occurs in winter in the U.S., unlike Semipalmated Sandpiper; also found in coastal South America.