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

[2] These birds are among the smallest of waders, very similar to the little stint, Calidris minuta, with which they were once considered conspecific.

The breeding adult has an unstreaked orange breast, bordered with dark markings below, and a white V on its back.

In winter plumage identification is difficult, although it is shorter legged and longer winged than the little stint.

In their non-breeding habitat they feed on intertidal mudflats and along the muddy margins of freshwater lakes.