Large shorebird with an enormous chunky beak, black-and-white-marked face, white stripes on the shoulder, and long and sturdy legs. Unlikely to be encountered anywhere except coastal areas, particularly beaches, reefs, and estuaries; very unusual even a few hundred meters inland from these habitats. Heavy human activity on beaches in certain areas has confined them to small offshore islands. Often calls at night, giving high-pitched piping and whistling notes.