Avocet

Recurvirostra avosetta

With its distinctive upturned bill, this striking wader is a master at sifting through shallow waters for tiny aquatic prey.

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Visual Identification

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

The Avocet is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Avocet is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Avocet can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Avocet can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Avocet is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Avocet is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Avocet is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Avocet is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Avocet is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Avocet is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Avocet is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Avocet is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Avocet. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons