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