Andean Avocet
NameAndean Avocet
Common NameAndean Avocet
Scientific NameRecurvirostra andina
FamilyRecurvirostridae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)45.5
Weight (g)290
Plumage DetailsAdults have a pristine white head, neck, and underparts. The back, wings, and tail are entirely black, creating a sharp contrast. They possess distinctive bright red eyes and long, pale bluish-grey legs. The bill is long, slender, strongly upturned, and black.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically described as soft, piping or yelping notes, often given in a series. These calls, such as 'klip-klip' or 'yep-yep', are usually heard when the bird is in flight or disturbed.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high Andes of South America, its range extends from central Peru south through Bolivia to northern Chile and northwestern Argentina.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive black and white plumage, Long, slender, strongly upturned black bill, Bright red eyes, Long, pale bluish-grey legs, Wading behavior in shallow water
Description
The Andean Avocet is a striking black and white shorebird characterized by its long, slender, and strongly upturned bill. It typically forages by sweeping its bill through shallow water in high-altitude Andean wetlands, searching for aquatic invertebrates.
