Pied Avocet

Overview

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) is a species of Stilts, Avocets (Recurvirostridae) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids. An elegant black-and-white wader with an upturned bill, sweeping it side to side in shallow water to catch invertebrates; nests on bare flats; the emblem of the RSPB in Britain.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Recurvirostra; binomial: Recurvirostra avosetta; authority: Linnaeus, 1758. Typical size: 42-45cm. Average lifespan: 10-20 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: Africa and the Palearctic. Non-breeding range: to coastal n Africa, inland w Africa, Indian Pen., Sri Lanka, c Myanmar, c Thailand, and e China.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.