Stilts and avocets · Shorebirds
Pied Avocet
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Recurvirostra avosetta
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Voice
Alarm
Call
Call
How to recognize it
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42–46 cm long
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White plumage, black cap reaching the nape and black bars on the wings
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Long, slender black bill curved upward; bluish legs
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Sweeps the bill from side to side while feeding in shallow water
About the species
At the water’s edge, the Pied Avocet is mostly white, with a black cap that runs down the back of its neck and black bands across its wings. Its long, fine black bill curves upward at the tip, and its bluish legs show clearly as it wades. In flight, its legs trail well beyond its tail.
It feeds by sweeping its bill from side to side through shallow water or over wet mud, picking small invertebrates from the surface and sediment. Its contact and alarm calls are fluty, repeated whistles—"plut-plut-plutt"—and adults defend feeding areas against intruders when raising chicks.
Shallow brackish lagoons, estuaries, salt marshes and muddy shorelines are its usual haunts, though it also uses shallow lakes and ponds. It feeds on small crustaceans, worms and insects. Some populations stay in place through winter, while others travel south, gathering at wetlands along the way.
Where to find
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In shallow water in a brackish lagoon or estuary, look for Pied Avocets sweeping their upturned bills from side to side to catch small invertebrates.
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In winter, at high tide, scan coastal salt marshes or cordgrass meadows for groups gathering to rest.
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During the breeding season, look on sandy islets or dikes beside shallow saline water for shallow nest scrapes — nests are placed in colonies.
