The Red-necked Stint breeds on the tundra of north-east Siberia and Alaska and winters in south-east Asia, Australia and New Zealand. They arrive in Australia between late August and November and depart in March and April though a few immatures remain behind. It is the most numerous small wader found in Australia.

It looks superficially like Sanderling C. alba but is much smaller. In non-breeding plumage it is generally grey-brown above and white below with a greyish half collar on the upper breast. The black bill is straight and gently tapering with a slight swelling at the tip. Legs are black.

In flight it shows a white wing-bar, white sides to the rump and a black centre to the pointed tail.