- Lifespan
- 15–20 years in the wild
- Size & Weight
- 22–24 cm, wingspan 40–45 cm; 85–150 g
- Habitat
- Rocky and shingle shores, estuaries, and coastal mudflats, preferring areas with abundant invertebrates to forage.
- UK Distribution
- Winter visitor and passage migrant to UK coasts, arriving from Arctic breeding grounds in July–August and departing in April–May. Small numbers occasionally stay year-round in mild winters.
- Diet
- Invertebrates including small crustaceans, molluscs, insects, and larvae, obtained by probing and flipping stones to reveal prey beneath.
- Prey
- Amphipods, isopods, small cockles, mussels, sand hoppers, and insect larvae
- Predators
- Peregrine falcon, merlin, golden eagle, and foxes; corvids may prey on chicks or eggs at breeding sites
- Mating Season
- May to July
- Breeding
- Does not breed in the UK; breeds in Arctic regions. Clutch of 3–4 eggs, incubation 21–24 days, single brood per season.
- Behaviour
- Highly active and restless forager, characteristically flipping stones and pebbles to expose hidden invertebrates. Often seen in small flocks in winter, sometimes mixing with other waders. Males are notably vocal during breeding season.