A sociable, medium-sized wader with a long, slightly upturned bill that has a distinctive pink base. During the breeding season, this bird sports a bright rusty head and chest, along with dark barring on its belly. Outside of breeding season, its plumage is simpler, with a grayish head, chest, and upperparts, differing from the streaked breast and back of the Bar-tailed Godwit. In flight, it is recognizable by a prominent white wing stripe, white rump, and black tail. Although fairly common, it is often found only in specific areas; it breeds in grassy wetlands and can be seen year-round in fresh and brackish marshes as well as on nearby tidal flats. The bird feeds primarily by wading in deep water and probing with its long bill.