Recurvirostra americana
An American Avocet in full breeding plumage may be the most elegant bird in North America. To some birders, its graceful features and striking colors are unmatched. During courtship, the female avocet extends her dainty bill forward and lowers her chin until it just clears the water's surface. The male struts around his statuesque mate until conditions are perfect; then the male jumps atop the still female and the pair quickly mates. After the male dismounts, the pair cross their slender bills and walk away in unison, reinforcing their bond. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: long, upturned, black bill; long, pale blue legs; black wings with wide, white patches; white underparts; female's bill is more upturned and shorter than the male's. Breeding: peachy-red head, neck and breast. Non-breeding: gray head, neck and breast. In flight: like a flying stick; long skinny legs and neck; black-and-white wings. Size: L 17-18 in. (43-46 cm). Range: uncommon migrant in the southern and central U.S. Rockies; uncommon to rare migrant north of Wyoming. Habitat: lakeshores, alkaline wetlands and exposed mudflats. Nesting: typically on the Great Plains and Great Basin; semi-colonial; in a shallow depression along a dried mudflat, exposed shoreline or open area, always near water; nest is sparsely lined with vegetation; pair incubates 4 eggs for up to 29 days. Feeding: sweeps its bill from side to side through the water's surface; picks up minute crustaceans, aquatic insects and, occasionally, seeds; males sweep lower in the water column than females; occasionally swims and 'tips up' duck-like. Voice: harsh, shrill plee-eek plee-eek near the nest. Similar Species: Black-necked Stilt: straight bill; mostly black head. Willet: grayish overall; straight bill. |
