Characterization: Small to medium-sized species measuring about 25cm in length. The upper part of its plumage is grayish mottled white, a light gray chest with grayish stripes and a white belly and tail. Its legs are tall and yellow.

Distribution: Throughout Brazil, to Tierra del Fuego.

Habitat: Moist regions, both in the interior and on the coast, and in muddy and open lake and river beaches.

Habits: Diurnal and aquatic species.

Diet: Carnivorous, this bird feeds on tiny marine creatures exposed on the sand by the waves.

Breeding: It lays 4 eggs in a nest built on water lily leaves. It defends its territory vigorously, and only the male hatches and cares for the hatchlings.

In the UFRA area: This species of bird is rare in the San Francisco Sugarmill farms, having been seen only once in all surveys carried out. Its distribution in the habitats was restricted to drainage ditches.