Breeding habitat apparently restricted to gravel bars along mountain streams and ponds in the alpine zone of Alaska and northwestern Canada. No additional data found. During the nonbreeding season, found in rocky intertidal habitats of marine environments. Yearlong, diurnal activity. Begins leaving the breeding grounds in late July, and the major southward movement occurs in August.
Smaller numbers remain through the winter.
Little known of breeding biology. Breeding apparently begins in early June. A solitary nester, and probably monogamous. The usual clutch size is 4 eggs. Precocial young are tended by both parents, at least for the first wk.