- Lifespan
- 10–15 years in the wild
- Size & Weight
- 20–32 cm, wingspan 48–58 cm; 75–230 g (males significantly larger than females)
- Habitat
- Breeds on wet grasslands, marshes, and moorlands; winters on coastal mudflats, estuaries, and inland water bodies.
- UK Distribution
- Scarce breeder in northern England and Scotland; more common passage migrant and winter visitor to coastal areas from August to April.
- Diet
- Invertebrates including insects, insect larvae, crustaceans, and worms obtained by probing in mud and shallow water.
- Prey
- Dipteran larvae, amphipods, chironomid larvae, small molluscs, and other benthic invertebrates
- Predators
- Peregrine falcons, golden eagles, merlins, and foxes; chicks also vulnerable to corvids and gulls
- Mating Season
- April to July
- Breeding
- Clutch of 4 eggs; incubation period 20–23 days; single brood; chicks fledge at 25–28 days
- Behaviour
- Males are highly polygamous and exhibit dramatic lek behaviour with elaborate displays of ear-tufts and neck ruff during breeding season. Gregarious outside breeding season, often forming flocks at estuaries. Males show extreme sexual dimorphism, with larger individuals dominating smaller rivals.