Red-necked Avocet
NameRed-necked Avocet
Common NameAmerican Avocet
Scientific NameRecurvirostra americana
FamilyRecurvirostridae
Wingspan (cm)71.5
Length (cm)45.5
Weight (g)347.5
Plumage DetailsIn breeding plumage, the head and neck are a rich cinnamon-rufous color. The body is predominantly white with bold black stripes on the back and wings, creating a distinctive pattern. The long legs are bluish-gray.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of clear, whistled 'wheet' or 'kleet' notes, often repeated rapidly. They also produce a harsh 'kreek' alarm call.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across western and central North America, including the Great Plains and Great Basin. Winters along the coasts of southern North America, Mexico, and Central America.
Identifying Featuresdistinctive upcurved bill, long blue-gray legs, cinnamon-rufous head and neck (breeding plumage), bold black and white body pattern
Description
The American Avocet is an elegant, long-legged shorebird known for its distinctive upward-curving bill. It wades in shallow waters, sweeping its bill from side to side to forage for aquatic invertebrates. This species exhibits striking black and white plumage with a reddish-brown head and neck during breeding season.
