Most all of the continent. Seen in summer mostly in the western areas of the continent but not in the northernmost or north eastern areas. Seen all year along the coast of California, Gulf coast and Atlantic coast from Florida up to Chesapeake Bay.

Shallow still waters are their favorite summer feeding area, especially alkaline lakes, prairie potholes; seen sometimes ing large colonies. Seen in winter on coastal mudflats and marshes. Sweeps bill side to side in water when feeding and swims readily in deep water..

Slender upturned black bill; black and white wing pattern; slender gray legs; eyes are black with white ring; head and neck are rusty in summer, gray in winter. Female bill is shorter and more sharply bent. Juvenile has rust on hind neck only.

Up very early and drive to the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northern California for a day of photographing the unbelievable number of birds here as well as the vast quantity of different types.