Avocet
Least ConcernRecurvirostra avosetta
Visual Identification
Avocet
Appearance
The Avocet is a striking wader, characterised by its long, slender legs and uniquely upturned bill. Its plumage is predominantly white, with bold black markings on the head, back, and wings, creating a striking contrast. The long, thin neck and compact body contribute to its elegant silhouette.
Whilst males and females are almost identical in markings, the black area of the wing tip on the male is larger than that of the female, who also has a slightly shorter bill. There are no significant seasonal changes.
Juveniles resemble adults but have a duller, brownish-black colouration, whereas adults are black, and their bills are shorter and less curved.
Size
Length
42cm to 45cm
Wingspan
77cm to 80cm
Weight
240g to 340g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Blue
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Avocets inhabit shallow, brackish wetlands, including coastal lagoons, estuaries, and inland lakes. They prefer areas with exposed mudflats for feeding and nesting. Their range extends across Europe, Central Asia, and parts of Africa.
In the UK, Avocets are found primarily in eastern and southern England during the breeding season. Some populations in southern Europe are resident, while others migrate to Africa for the winter. They have also been successfully reintroduced to parts of the Netherlands and Germany.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Diet
Avocets mainly feed on aquatic invertebrates, including small crustaceans, insects, and worms.
Their uniquely shaped bill is perfectly adapted for sweeping through shallow water and mud, allowing them to capture prey by touch. This specialised feeding technique enables them to forage efficiently in turbid waters.
Behaviour
Avocets are known for their distinctive feeding technique: They sweep their upturned bills from side to side in shallow water to catch small invertebrates.
They are social birds, often seen in small flocks, and engage in synchronised swimming during courtship displays. During the breeding season, Avocets become fiercely territorial, aggressively defending their nesting areas from intruders.
Vocalisation
Avocets have a distinctive, high-pitched call often described as a clear, ringing 'kluit' or 'kluit-kluit'. This vocalisation is frequently heard during the breeding season, especially when defending territory or communicating with their mate.
They also produce softer, chattering sounds when in flocks.
Nesting & Breeding
Avocets typically form monogamous pairs each breeding season, which usually begins in April or May. Courtship involves elaborate displays, including synchronised swimming and aerial manoeuvres.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often on islands or shorelines, lined with nearby vegetation. Females lay 3-4 olive-brown eggs with dark spots. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
Incubation lasts about 23-25 days. Chicks are precocial and able to leave the nest within hours of hatching. They fledge after 35-42 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Lifespan
The Avocet typically lives for 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 27.8 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern globally, Avocets have faced historical declines due to habitat loss. They've become a conservation success story in the UK, rebounding from near extinction in the 1940s.
Ongoing wetland protection and management are crucial for their continued success.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
280,000 - 470,000 mature individuals [3]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Avocets in shallow, brackish wetlands or coastal lagoons.
- Observe their unique sweeping motion while feeding in shallow water.
- Listen for their distinctive 'kluit-kluit' call, especially during breeding season.
- In the UK, visit reserves like Minsmere or Titchwell Marsh for excellent viewing opportunities.
- Bring a spotting scope to appreciate their elegant features from a distance.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Pied Avocet
Family:
RecurvirostridaePredators
Did You Know?
- The Avocet is the emblem of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in the UK.
- Avocet chicks can swim within hours of hatching but cannot fly for several weeks.
- Their upturned bill is an adaptation that allows them to feed uniquely, unlike most other waders.
- Avocets were reintroduced into the UK after the Second World War (having completely disappeared from Great Britain for over 100 years) following the deliberate flooding of marsh areas around East Anglia, which was returned to salt marsh during the war to deter possible German landings. These areas were ideally suited to avocets.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Recurvirostra avosetta. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22693712A177125045.
View source - 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source