Look for Stilt Sandpipers in shallow freshwater wetlands, including marshes, flooded fields, and muddy edges of ponds and lakes. During migration, they can be found in a variety of inland wetlands and brackish lagoons, less commonly on open coastlines. They prefer areas with soft mud for probing.

This species is easily identified by its unique feeding behavior; it wades in deep water, often up to its belly, and probes the mud with a 'sewing machine' action, sometimes submerging its entire head. Its relatively long, yellowish-green legs are a key field mark. In breeding plumage, look for distinctive barring on the flanks and a rufous cheek patch. Its call is a soft, reedy 'jeep' or 'chup'.

Stilt Sandpipers are typically active during daylight hours. They are most readily observed during spring (April-May) and fall (July-October) migration periods across North and Central America, and in parts of South America. On their Arctic breeding grounds, they are present during the brief summer, while they spend the northern winter months in their South American non-breeding grounds.