About the Red-necked Avocet
The red-necked avocet also known as the Australian avocet, cobbler, cobbler's awl, and painted lady, is a wader of the family Recurvirostridae that is endemic to Australia and is fairly common and widespread throughout, except for the north and north east coastal areas of the country. Closely related to the stilts, it shares their fragile slender elegance, however the deep red head and neck distinguish them. It appeared on a 13 cent postage stamp in 1966.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The 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. The adult's head and neck is a rich chestnut brown in colour (from which it derives its name) with a narrow white eye ring and a red-brown iris. The secondary coverts and primary feathers are black and the remainder of the plumage is white. The bill is black and the legs are a pale grey-blue. Both male and female are similar in colouring and size; neither is there seasonal variation in appearance.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Red-necked Avocet lives
When to see the Red-necked Avocet
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Andean AvocetRecurvirostra andinaThis avocet has a white head, neck, underparts and rump, and dark brown back, wings and tail.
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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