26-6-2024 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - PIED AVOCET (JUVENILE) (Recurvirostra avosetta)

The pied avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta ) is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae. They breed in temperate Europe and across the Palearctic to Central Asia then on to the Russian Far East. It is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range, for example in southern Spain and southern England. The pied avocet is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.

The pied avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. It is approximately 16.5–17.75 in (41.9–45.1 cm) in length of which the bill is approximately 2.95–3.35 in (7.5–8.5 cm) and the legs are approximately 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm). Its wingspan is approximately 30–31.5 in (76–80 cm). Males and females look alike. The juvenile resembles the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones.

The call of the avocet is a far-carrying, liquid, melodious kluit kluit.

These birds forage in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocets). They mainly eat crustaceans and insects.

Their breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud. They nest on open ground, often in small groups, sometimes with other waders. Three to five eggs are laid in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation.

2-11-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - PIED AVOCET (JUVENILE) (Recurvirostra avosetta)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4883-Recurvirostra-avosetta

 

22-7-2020 LA PINET, ALICANTE - PIED AVOCET (JUVENILE) (Recurvirostra avosetta)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4883-Recurvirostra-avosetta

14-3-2018 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

25-10-2017 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - PIED AVOCET (JUVENILE) (Recurvirostra avosetta)

Pied Avocet, scientifically known as Recurvirostra avosetta, is a unique bird species belonging to the Recurvirostridae family including avocets and stilts, some of the most fascinating waders for birding enthusiasts. These distinctive birds can be found across the Old World in a variety of climates and environments, including coastal areas, wetlands, and salt pans. An ideal spot to observe these birds would be in shallow water, where they often forage for food. The easiest way to identify Pied Avocets in the field is by their remarkable and unique upturned bills.

Pied Avocets are one of several species that appear on the emblem of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in the United Kingdom, where they symbolize nature conservation. Like all living things, they play a crucial role in the natural ecosystem. As wading birds, they help control insect populations and contribute to the overall health of wetland habitats. Like many other bird species, their presence can serve as an indicator of the quality of the environment.

Pied Avocets are medium-sized birds with an average length of 40-45 cm / 16-18 inches and a wingspan of 77-80 cm / 30-31 inches. They typically weigh around 240-315 g / 8.5-11 oz. These birds boast a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other waders.

As mentioned before, it is easiest to identify Pied Avocet by their long, thin, and upturned bills, which they use for sweeping through the water to catch small aquatic prey. Their black-and-white plumage provides a stark contrast, while the long, blue-grey legs further enhance their unique appearance. During the breeding season, these birds showcase an even more vibrant look making them particularly attractive to potential mates.

There are subtle differences between male and female Pied Avocets. Males tend to have slightly longer bills and legs, while females have more curved bills. However, these differences can be challenging to notice in the field, as both sexes share the same striking plumage.

Pied Avocets exhibit a preference for habitats such as coastal areas, wetlands, salt pans, and brackish lagoons. These environments provide an abundance of food resources and suitable nesting sites for the species. The choice of habitat is closely linked to the availability of shallow water, where Pied Avocets can efficiently forage using their specialized bills.

These birds are adapted to live in these environments, thanks to their long legs and unique bills, which enable them to wade and feed in shallow waters. Pied Avocets have a wide distribution, spanning parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. They can be found in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Turkey, India, and South Africa, among others.

Pied Avocets exhibit both migratory and sedentary behaviors. Birds living in temperate regions usually migrate to warmer climates during the winter months, while those in milder or tropical regions tend to remain sedentary throughout the year.

Pied Avocets have a diverse diet primarily consisting of small aquatic invertebrates like insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They may also consume small fish and plant material. Their unique upturned bills are perfectly adapted for their feeding techniques, which involve sweeping the bill side-to-side through shallow water to capture prey.

These birds display a fascinating feeding behavior known as “scything,” where they move their bills through the water in a scythe-like motion. As they do this, their sensitive bills detect the vibrations and movements of potential prey items, allowing them to efficiently locate and capture food.

Apart from scything, Pied Avocets also engage in other feeding techniques, such as probing the mud or sand for hidden invertebrates, and occasionally picking prey items from the water surface. This versatility in feeding strategies enables them to adapt to various habitats and food availability.

Pied Avocets have a fascinating breeding behavior. They form monogamous pairs that usually last for a single breeding season, although some may remain together for multiple seasons. Courtship displays between the male and female involve a series of ritualized postures, accompanied by high-pitched calls.

When it comes to nesting habits, Pied Avocets build their nests on the ground, typically in areas with sparse vegetation near shallow water. Nests are often simple scrapes in the ground, lined with pebbles, shells, or plant material. In some cases, they may build more elaborate nests on floating vegetation.

The female lays 3 to 4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for approximately 23 to 25 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile. Both parents play an active role in protecting and caring for the chicks, which are able to feed themselves within hours of hatching. The young birds fledge after about 35 to 42 days, reaching sexual maturity at around one year of age.

22-5-2016 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - PIED AVOCET (JUVENILE) (Recurvirostra avosetta)

The pied avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta ) is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae. They breed in temperate Europe and across the Palearctic to Central Asia then on to the Russian Far East. It is a migratory species and most winter in Africa or southern Asia. Some remain to winter in the mildest parts of their range, for example in southern Spain and southern England. The pied avocet is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.

The pied avocet is a striking white wader with bold black markings. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. It is approximately 16.5–17.75 in (41.9–45.1 cm) in length of which the bill is approximately 2.95–3.35 in (7.5–8.5 cm) and the legs are approximately 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm). Its wingspan is approximately 30–31.5 in (76–80 cm). Males and females look alike. The juvenile resembles the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones.

These birds forage in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water (a feeding technique that is unique to the avocets). They mainly eat crustaceans and insects.

Their breeding habitat is shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud. They nest on open ground, often in small groups, sometimes with other waders. Three to five eggs are laid in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation.

The call of the avocet is a far-carrying, liquid, melodious kluit kluit.