33-41 cm, sexes similar. Grey brown, with whitish underparts during wintering, red in breeding season. Long and slightly upturned beak. Present throughout the year with varying numbers, most numerous between September and April. Does not nest. It may be observed on sandy beaches, especially the mula di Muggia and the banco d’Orio. It forms flocks at high tide along with other waders such as curlews, grey plovers and sandpipers.