Large Shorebirds of the Pacific Northwest
American Avocet
Recurvirostra americana
Avocet: Malheur NWR (7/2/84)
The avocet is a magnificent looking wading bird, the summer
plummage being characterized by a white body, black and white wings, and an orangish
or cinnamon head and neck. A key identifying characteristic is the long thin,
upturned bill. Avocets have very long legs on their 18" frame.
Avocets are commonly found during the summer around shallow,
brackish inland lakes and ponds, primarily from Montana south into the Great Basin.
They commonly winter on the California and Mexican coasts. They
commonly eat small fish, aquatic insects, seeds, and crustaceans, which they search
for with repeated, rapid swishing motions using their delicate bills.
Avocets are commonly found in large groups. They nest in simple
nests along the shore which are barely above the water level. When a nesting bird
is disturbed, it may do an injured wing display in the hopes of leading the intruder
away from the nest.
American Avocet at Summer Lake, OR. (7/95)
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American Avocet nest at Summer Lake, OR. (7/95)
American Avocet in winter plummage at Summer Lake, OR (9/28/96)
Paul Slichter