American Avocet - Recurvirostridae  Recurvirostra  americana
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Avocet School
Avocet School

Breeding Plumage
Breeding Plumage

Winter Plumage
Avocet, winter plumage

Avocet Nesting
Avocet nesting
Avocet with Dowitchers
Avocet with Dowitchers



Photo Details
1. July 6, 2003, 2.  May 11, 2003 - Bear River MBR, Box Elder County, Utah     3.  November 2002, Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake County, Utah  4.  August 12, 2003 -  Bear River MBR, Box Elder County, Utah - ©Nicky Davis

Description
Length: 18, Wingspan: 31 - -Thin, black, upturned bill, Female stronger upturn, White scapulars, Long pale bluish legs. In summer the head and neck are cinnamon and in winter they are whitish.

Other
Lives on shallow inland saline lakes in the summer and on coastal flats in winters.Aggressive in breeding colonies and will dive-bomb intruders. One of their main concentrations in the summer is at Great Sale Lake.  Feeds by thrusting bill underwater and swinging from side to side checking for fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects.  Also eats seeds.  Lays 4 dark-spotted olive eggs in a shallow depression with little lining in the open on a mudflat, marsh or beach.  If water rises they build nest up with sticks and weeds.

Utah Seasonal Distribution Map
click for range map color key

Utah Range Map

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