Unmistakeable with fine straight bill, long reddish pink legs and black and white plumage. Both in flight and at rest the long red legs are characteristic, but even if these are hidden in deep water, the pure white underparts and jet-black upperparts are distinctive enough.

Marsh, weedy lakes, flooded fields. Breeds around shallow wetlands, especially coastal lagoons, saltpans and estuaries.

Migratory, generally wintering in Africa.

Rare but fairly regular vagrant (has bred).

Very rare vagrant. First record was of two birds at Eyebrook Reservoir 26th May 1945. The second record, also of two, at Orton-on-the-Hill 3rd June 1987. The third record was of the single bird 13th April 2012 at Rutland Water.