Adults have long pink legs and a long thin black bill. They are white below and have black wings and backs. The tail is white with some grey banding. A continuous area of black extends from the back along the hindneck to the head. There, it forms a cap covering the entire head from the top to just below eye-level, with the exception of the areas surrounding the bill and a small white spot above the eye. Males have a greenish gloss to the back and wings, particularly in the breeding season. This is less pronounced or absent in females, which have a brown tinge to these areas instead. Otherwise, the sexes look alike. This little lady had four babies just a week ago. We had bad rains here, and this day they were no where to be found. But she was there as if maybe we just did not see them. Sange went back the next day and they parents are now gone. The babies were too small to fly and could only run about and forage. It is sad to think they lost all their babies due to our heavy flooding here lately. Let's hope she tries again soon. Nikon D7000; 1/2000; ISO 400 shot with telephoto 55-300 set to 300