The Pied Avocet is a striking wader recognized by its elegant black-and-white plumage and long, upward-curving bill. This bird’s distinctive appearance includes a white body with black patches on the wings and back, creating a sharp contrast. Its legs are long and bluish-gray, adapted for wading in shallow waters.
Known for its unique feeding technique, the Pied Avocet sweeps its bill side to side in the water to catch small invertebrates. This behavior, combined with their graceful movements, makes them a delight to observe. They often forage in groups, each bird spinning in its search for prey items in the water.
Pied Avocets inhabit shallow wetlands, including marshes, estuaries, and mudflats. They prefer saline environments where they can find ample food. While a population remains year-round across parts of Africa, other Pied Avocets are migratory, moving south from their breeding range to coastal areas for the winter.
During the breeding season, Pied Avocets nest in colonies, building shallow nests on the ground near water. They are protective parents, often seen defending their nests aggressively from intruders. Their breeding sites are typically on islands or in areas with sparse vegetation, providing safety from predators.
Among the ten total global species of avocets and stilts, wading birds that are members of the Recurvirostridae family, there are a lot of interesting information and fascinating facts. Following our Amazing Adaptations post, here are some more facts about these long-legged birds. Read more »
We’re excited to announce four new Birdorable coloring pages for Avocet & Stilt Week. This family of birds is known for their long legs, slender bills, and striking plumage, making them a favorite among bird enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of avocets or stilts (or both!), you’ll love... Read more »
On this second day of Avocet & Stilt Week, we're introducing you to three new Birdorable species. The avocets are a remarkable group of wading birds within the avocet and stilt (Recurvirostridae) family, known for their elegant appearance and unique feeding techniques. Among the four total species of... Read more »
Stilts and Avocets are the only birds in the family Recurvirostridae. We'll be highlighting them on the Birdorable blog this week. Since Recurvirostridae Week is a mouthful, we're calling it Avocet & Stilt Week. These fascinating wading birds are often found in wetlands, marshes, and shallow water... Read more »
