A round-faced, neat, starling-sized shorebird, clean white beneath; adults have crisp black and white head patterns and brightly coloured bill and legs; pleasant, fluty call distinctive.

The Ringed Plover is often to be seen on a beach of sand, shingle, or mud, running nimbly for a few steps, then stopping – taut, alert – looking around or searching for prey. In summer, pairs are widely spaced along the beaches, or around flooded gravel pits inland. In autumn and winter they join together in flocks, gathering at high tide in their hundreds.