A medium-sized slim wader with a dark grey back and white underparts. Its long green legs and slightly up-turned bill help to distinguish it from other waders. It calls regularly and is seen singly and in small groups.

Confined to the north and west of Scotland in summer around boggy moorland and peatland pools. On migration it can be found across the UK, inland around lakes and freshwater marshes, as well as at coastal wetlands and estuaries, with the largest numbers close to the coast. In winter it is found on the estuaries of south-west England, Wales, western Scotland and Northern Ireland.

On breeding grounds from April to August. Passage birds most likely to be seen in April and May and between July and September, travelling from and to African wintering grounds. Wintering birds are seen from October to March

They feed on worms, snails and fish.

UK has up to 1500 breeding pairs and up to 5,000 birds of passage in autumn.

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.