General

American Avocet: Long-legged shorebird characterized by long, thin upcurved bill and distinctive black-and-white back and sides. Head and neck are bright rust-brown during summer. Female has shorter, more upcurved bill. Winter adult resembles breeding adult but head and neck are pale gray. Juvenile is similar to adults but has a pale rust-brown wash over gray head and neck.

Range and Habitat

American Avocet: Breeds from interior Washington, Saskatchewan, and Minnesota south to California and Texas. Spends winters on the west coast north to California, on the Gulf Goast, and in Florida. In fall, this bird is a regular visitor on the Atlantic coast. Preferred habitats include freshwater marshes and shallow, marshy lakes. Breeds locally in salt or brackish marshes; often moves to coasts during winter.

Listen to Call

Voice Text

"wheep, wheep, wheep"

Interesting Facts

 Nesting American Avocets aggressively attack predators, sometimes physically striking Northern Harriers and Common Ravens.

 Their nests are depressions on the sand or platforms of grass on mudflats. Should the water level rise, the breeding pair will raise the nest up to a foot or more with sticks, weeds, bones and feathers to keep the eggs above water.

 Their chicks leave the nest within 24 hours after hatching. Day-old avocets can walk, swim, and even dive to escape predators.

 In response to predators, they sometimes issues a series of call notes that gradually changes pitch, simulating the Doppler effect and thus making its approach seem faster than it actually is.

Author

Gary Owen Dick