Abundant – Common – Annual migrant. Often in very large flocks. Small. Short, dark bill. Back feathers have black centres, chestnut edges. Head, neck, breast, pinkish chestnut. Thin black line through rump. Fine white wing bar. Legs black. Non-breeding: Grey above; white below, washed grey at sides of breast. Size: 13-16cm. Voice: ‘chit, chit’; high trill. Habitat: Coastal and estuarine inland shores; saltworks.
Migratory bird which breeds in Sibera, leaving Australia around March and arriving back around September.
