Snowy Plovers are among the smallest plovers, characterized by their relatively long legs. Their plumage varies regionally, with the American Snowy Plover being the palest. The upperparts of the body are generally pale, while breeding males have a distinctive white forehead, a black band across the forecrown, and a slightly reddish hindcrown. They also sport a black eye band beneath a narrow white eyebrow and a black shoulder patch, along with a complete white collar. The underparts are entirely white. Female Snowy Plovers have a similar pattern to males, but with brown replacing the black. Both sexes have dark gray legs, large black eyes, and a slender black bill. North American Snowy Plovers share a similar appearance with the European Kentish Plover but are paler overall, with breeding males featuring a pale fawn hindcrown and lighter legs. In flight, Snowy Plovers can be identified by a narrow white wing stripe and a partial dark bar at the tip of the tail.