The body is stocky and black, dotted uniformly with white spots. The wings are medium sized and rounded. Behavior It is capable of strong flight, but is mainly terrestrial. Often choosing to run rather than fly. It roosts in trees.
Pairs remain monogamous.
This diurnal bird calls with a rasping, stuttering, grating Keerrrr . Lives in flocks of up to hundreds, foraging on open ground. The nest is a ground scrape. Both parents care for the young. They also eat insects and worms, mollusks and frogs.