11.5 inches long. The Long-billed Dowitcher is a medium -sized sandpiper with a long straight dark bill and distinct pale eyebrows. The spring breeding plumage bird is entirely reddish below with a heavily spotted foreneck and normally barred flanks. The scapular feathers have bold white tips. In flight Dowitchers show a distinct white wedge on the back. Winter birds are brownish gray above and white below with a gray breast. Sexes are similar.
The Long-billed Dowitcher is common during migration in the Omaha area but rarely seen in Fontenelle Forest. When seen it is most likely seen in the forest wetlands, particularly on the Great Marsh.
The Long-billed Dowitcher feeds with rapid jabbing motion like a sewing machine.