The genus name is from Ancient Greek kalidris or skalidris, a term used by Aristotle for some grey-colored waterside birds.

This bird can be difficult to distinguish from other similar tiny shorebirds; these are known collectively as "peeps" or "stints".

It differs from that species in its more compact, shorter-necked appearance, shorter toes, somewhat duller colors, and stronger wingbar.

Measurements:[3] Their breeding habitat is the northern North American continent on tundra or in bogs.

Both parents incubate; the female leaves before the young birds fledge and sometimes before the eggs hatch.