This bird is a small plover that inhabits sandy beaches. In some areas populations of this species are threatened and conservation efforts are under way to increase their numbers. They are reasonably common in the Moneterey area of California. They are found over a large area spanning parts of North America, South America, Africa and Eurasia.
They are difficult to see and most people walk right by them because of their excellent camouflage. Often they rest in the footprints left by people walking on the beach.