About the American Avocet
The American avocet is a large wader in the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae, found in North America. It spends much of its time foraging in shallow water or on mud flats, often sweeping its bill from side to side in water as it seeks crustacean and insect prey.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The American avocet measures 40–51 cm (16–20 in) in length, has a wingspan of 68–76 cm (27–30 in) and weighs 275–420 g (9.7–14.8 oz) The bill is black, pointed, and curved slightly upwards towards the tip. It is long, surpassing twice the length of the avocet's small, rounded head. Like many waders, the avocet has long, slender legs and slightly webbed feet. The legs are a pastel grey-blue, giving it its colloquial name, blue shanks. The plumage is black and white on the back, with white on the underbelly.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the American Avocet sounds like
Where the American Avocet lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Colombia, St. Pierre & Miquelon.
When to see the American Avocet
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Pied AvocetRecurvirostra avosettaAdults have a striking black-and-white plumage, with a black cap extending to the back of the neck.
Red-necked AvocetRecurvirostra novaehollandiaeThe distinguishing feature of the red-necked avocet, and all avocet species, is the distinctive upcurved bill that is used for skimming the surface of water to catch small invertebrates.
Andean AvocetRecurvirostra andinaThis avocet has a white head, neck, underparts and rump, and dark brown back, wings and tail.
Side by side: American Avocet vs Pied Avocet
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