Low perching, dark sally-feeder. Numerous in West coast and Southwest, lower altitudes in winter. Timing: year-round. Prefers anywhere near water sources. Small with a thin, straight bill; plumage is monotypic/black and white. Require water and mud to build nests. Male shows possible nesting sites to female by hovering in front of them, and she chooses. Monogamous: pairs can stay together for up to 5 years. Diet includes insects; occasional minnows. Oldest wild individual recorded was at least 10. Population ~ 13 million.