Avocet

Description

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 western and Central Asia.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 wing-span 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.