The American Avocet is often seen feeding in shallow waters, sweeping its strongly upcurved bill from
side-to-side as it feeds on aquatic insects and crustaceans. Sometimes
groups of Avocets are seen, lined up side-by-side and sweeping forward as they
search for food.
Habitat: Shallow lakes and ponds,
mudflats. Prefers open habitats with little vegetation. Also prefers
alkaline or salty inland waters over fresh water.
Diet: Mostly aquatic insects and
crustaceans.
Behavior: Feeds by sweeping bill from side-to-side
in shallow water, plucking food items from the water surface or ground, or
by submerging its head for items under water. During nesting, may
perform distraction displays to lure predators away from nests and
nestlings.
Nesting: May through July
Song: Loud pleeeeep.
Migration: Summers throughout much of the interior
central and western United States and southern Canada. Migrates in the fall
to U.S. coasts, central valleys of California, Mexico, and Central America.
Status: Numbers have steadily increased since the
early 1900s, when over-hunting greatly reduced their numbers.
2)
Cornell University's "All About Birds -- American Avocet"
3)
eNature.com: American Avocet
Photo Information: April 30th, 2005 -- Lake Thompson, Kingsbury County -- Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or
text links below for additional, higher-resolution American Avocet photos.
