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American Avocet

Scientific Name

Recurvirostra americana

Class

Aves

Order

Charadriiformes

Range

Western North America through northern Central America

Habitat

Beaches, mudflats, and ponds

Estimated Wild Population

n/a

Found in:

McCormick Bird House

More Information

Physical Description

American avocets are long-legged shorebirds with a long, thin bill that curves upward and distinctive black-and-white stripes on their back and sides. These birds got their colloquial name, “blue shank,” from their bluish-gray legs and feet. During breeding season, their head and neck are a pinkish-tan color, and during the winter, they turn grayish-white. They are most active during dawn and dusk.

Interesting Fact 1

American avocets are colonial nesters and often travel in flocks of several hundred.

Interesting Fact 2

They swoop their long, thin bills back and forth in the water to catch insects and aquatic crustaceans.

Interesting Fact 3

Females lay three to five olive-colored eggs with brown and black spots.

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