The species name subruficollis is from Latin subrufus, "reddish" (from sub, "somewhat", and rufus, "rufous") and collis, "-necked/-throated" (from collum, "neck").

This species nests as far north as Canada including Alaska[5] on the ground, laying four eggs.

Outside the breeding season, this bird is normally found in short-grass habitats such as airfields or golf courses, rather than near water.

The buff-breasted sandpipers are known to prey on Bombus polaris, a species of bumblebee found within the Arctic Circle.

It is believed that instead of going to Argentina, this bird might have been wind-blown from the Great Plains Flyway of North America and landed up in South Asia.