Appearance
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 inches in length of which the bill is approximately 2.95–3.35 inches and the legs are approximately 3–4 inches. Its wing-span is approximately 30–31.5 inches. 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".
Naming
This species gets its English and scientific names from the Venetian name "avosetta". It appeared first in Aldrovandi's "Ornithologia". While the name may refer to black and white outfits once worn by European advocates or lawyers, the actual etymology is unknown. Other common names include Black-capped Avocet, Eurasian Avocet or just Avocet.
Behavior
These birds forage in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often scything their bills from side to side in water. They mainly eat crustaceans and insects.
Reproduction
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. 3-5 eggs are laid in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation.References:
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