Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: American avocet Latin Name: Recurvirostra americana Class: Birds Order:    Charadriiformes Description The American avocet’s white body contrasts with the broad, black stripes along its back and folded wings. During breeding season, the bird’s plumage, head and neck change to a rich cinnamon color.

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Range
Breeds in the western United States, Canada and Mexico. Nonbreeding birds can be seen in the summer from New Jersey south to South Carolina.

Status
Common.

Habitat
Saltwater and freshwater ponds and marshes. The American avocet favors shallow, alkaline lakes, wet meadows and pastures with scattered, open pools.

Niche
The American avocet feeds on seeds, aquatic insects and small crustaceans.

Life History
American avocets form breeding colonies numbering dozens of pairs. When breeding is over the birds gather in large flocks, sometimes including hundreds of birds. Nesting occurs near water, usually on small islands or boggy shorelines where access by predators is difficult. The female lays four eggs in a saucer-shaped next, and both sexes take turns incubating them. Upon hatching, the chicks feed themselves; they are never fed by their parents. Parents will fake injuries near eggs or chicks to lure predators away, however.

Special Adaptations

• The American avocet’s unique beak is used to locate prey in water with low visibility. To hunt, the bird opens its bill in the water and sweeps it back and forth, snapping at any fish, crustaceans or insects it comes into contact with.
• The American avocet’s long legs and thin, pointed toes enable it to walk easily through varying depths of water.