American Avocet
Recurvirostra americana
Aves › Charadriiformes › Recurvirostridae › Recurvirostra
Conservation status: least_concern
The American Avocet is a striking wading bird with a long, thin, upturned bill and bold black-and-white plumage that makes it unmistakable in shallow wetlands. It uses its unique curved bill to sweep side-to-side through the water while feeding, a hunting technique unlike almost any other North American bird.
How To Identify
The avocet features pale gray to white plumage with distinct dark streaking on the wing tips and long legs. Its most defining characteristic is its striking, dramatically curved reddish bill.
Habitat
It typically lives in shallow alkaline and saline lakes, marshes, and coastal lagoons across western North America.
Behaviour
Avocets are highly social and cooperative breeders, often nesting in colonies and collectively defending their breeding areas against predators.
Native Range
The American avocet is found in North America.
Did You Know?
American Avocets have a uniquely upturned bill that they sweep side-to-side through water to filter-feed, and they're one of the few bird species that can change their bill shape slightly based on prey availability.
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