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This is a very common migrant to the dry lowland coastal areas. It is less abundant inland and the wet zone. These tiny birds are extremely busy feeders. They are a very common sight at most dry zone costal mud flats. They can be seen in large groups, probing the mud for their tiny prey, along the edges of water. This species breeds in arctic Europe and Asia. It is a long distance migrant and fly’s south to Africa and south Asia during winter.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (IUCN Red List) and it is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species along the coast wherever there is suitable habitat. It is very common during the migrant season in the south at localities such as Bundala, Yala, Kalametiya. It also becomes common beyond Chilaw on the western coast up to Jaffna peninsula and on the east coast to Kumana National park. It is quite common in the small islands of the cost of Kalpitiya such as Palliya Watta and Baththlan Gunduwa. Udawalawa & Lunugamvehera National Parks and Anuradapura are some locations where I have observed this species away from the coast.

In the wet zone I regularly see this species at Thalangama wet lands and have seen it at Kotte marshes about a decade ago.

In Wilpattu it can usually be seen be seen at Mahapatessa and Kali Villu. It occurs at a few locations long the coast up to Modaragam Aru as well.