Wary and secretive. Shelters in mangroves during the day. May run fast, but generally moves slowly with ehad down. Flight is fast with stiff wingbeats. Singles, pairs or small groups. Feeds mostly at dawn and dusk, particularly for crabs, hammered open and often washed before eating. Also other crustaceans and insects.

Found on reefs, beaches and mudflats and offshore islands in the north.