Moderately common – Sedentary-nomadic. Breeding endemic. Runs in short spurts. Small. Bright rufous crown, nape, collar, all partly edged black. Black eye-stripe; black bill, legs. White forehead. Upperparts brown. White wing bar and black rump ling in flight. Female: Similar, crown duller; black less distinct. Non-breeding: Upperparts plain grey-brown. Size: 14-16cm. Juvenile: Upperparts edged buff. Voice: Sharp ‘twink’; piping. Habitat: Estuaries, beaches, coastal and inland lakes.
A small bird (15cm) which is often seen running along sandy beaches in the region. Often goes unseen by unsuspecting humans given their small nature.
