American Avocet

The American Avocet is a tall, striking shorebird with a long, thin bill that curves distinctly upward, long blue-gray legs, and bold black-and-white patterning on the wings and back. In breeding plumage the head and neck take on a warm cinnamon-orange wash, fading to pale gray outside the breeding season.

One of the most photogenic shorebirds of the American West, it is often seen sweeping its distinctive bill through shallow, alkaline waters in search of prey.

Key field marks

• Long, thin, distinctly upturned bill
• Long blue-gray legs
• Bold black-and-white pattern on the wings and back
• Cinnamon-orange head and neck in breeding season, pale gray in winter

Similar species

The Black-necked Stilt has a straight bill and pink legs. The Pied Avocet of the Old World is similar in shape but has a black-and-white (not cinnamon) head.

Habitat

Shallow alkaline and saline lakes, salt evaporation ponds, mudflats, and marshes.

Range and migration

Breeds across the western and central United States and southern Canada. Winters along the Gulf Coast, in California, and into Mexico.

Behavior

Feeds by sweeping its upturned bill from side to side through shallow water and soft mud, detecting prey by touch, a technique known as scything.

Voice

Sharp, repeated alarm calls, especially near nests.

Feeding

Aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and some seeds gathered from shallow water.

Nesting and breeding

Nests on the ground near water, often in loose colonies, with pairs performing strong defensive and distraction behavior against predators.