AVOSET

                                                           

                                                   AVOSET                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Avocet bird enjoys distinction over other birds due to its elegance and striking coloration. It has a black and white stripped pattern that runs over its wings and back. It is an important piece of avocet information that the bird is approximately 41-51 cm long and weighs about 300-420 grams. The bird has an estimated life span of 10-15 years.

What Do They Look Like?

As you can see in the avocet pictures, it is a large seashore bird with a beautiful black and white stripped pattern on its back. Its grayish-blue long legs have received it the nickname of "blue shanks". It has dark brown eyes that spark in sunlight, giving it a majestic look. During the breeding season, these birds undergo a change in color from grey-white to a pink-tan. Like other birds of its type, Avocet possesses long legs and webbed feet that are perfectly designed for hunting in waters. They produce a high pitched "Kleek" sound to attract the attention of fellow birds in the flock. The female Avocets are slightly bigger in size than the male ones.

Where Do They Live?

Avocets usually prefer watery habitats and reside near fresh water and salt-water marshlands, coastal areas and beaches. One of the avocet bird facts is that it is widely distributed on the bases of its species. For instance, Pied Avocet is largely found in Europe and Asia whereas, Pacific coast of North America is home to many American Avocets.

What Do Avocets Eat? 

Avocets are primarily carnivorous in nature. They consume aquatic invertebrates, insects, small crustaceans and seeds. They sometimes feed on small fish too. The bird has a long, upturned beak, which it oscillates at either side in water to catch the prey.

How Do They Reproduce?

The Avocets, both male and female, act quite peculiar on the arrival of breeding season. The birds are seen to be engaging in complex courtships. The male member seeks the attention of the female by splashing water on itself. During copulation, the birds sprint with their necks intertwined. These birds usually nest on the ground, which are efficiently lined with grass, feathers and so forth. The female usually lays 3-4 small green-brown eggs that are incubated by the male members. The hatchlings leave the nest within one day of hatching.

Are These Species Endangered?

Contamination and destruction of wetlands have caused a significant fall in their number. Their natural habitat has been profoundly influenced by the water diversion for human use like residential schemes, amusement parks and enormous shopping malls. The Avocets are fighting hard to get their numbers up and flourish again. No substantial attention has been given to this bird by the wildlife authorities for the protection of this species.