About the Andean Avocet
The Andean avocet is a large wader in the avocet and stilt bird family, Recurvirostridae. It is resident in the Andes, breeding above 3500 m in northwestern Argentina, western Bolivia, northern Chile and southern Peru.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This avocet has a white head, neck, underparts and rump, and dark brown back, wings and tail. It is similar in size but slightly bulkier than the American avocet, at 43–48 cm (17–19 in) in length and 315–410 g (11.1–14.5 oz) in weight. Average body mass is 361 g (12.7 oz), making it likely the heaviest of the Recurvirostridae family. The thin, grey legs are not as long as with other avocet species, but the long thin black bill is upturned at the end. The sexes are similar, and the juvenile plumage is undescribed.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Andean Avocet lives
When to see the Andean Avocet
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
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.
Pied AvocetRecurvirostra avosettaAdults have a striking black-and-white plumage, with a black cap extending to the back of the neck.
American AvocetRecurvirostra americanaThe 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.
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