American Avocet

I love the way their bill curves up! They move it quickly side to side on the surface of soft mud or in the water to trap their food. This bird is a very tall shorebird around 18 inches tall. When in breeding the male’s head, neck and breast become a rufous-buff color. When their nest is in danger, the birds may start to run around spreading their wings trying to distract the intruder. If their eggs or young are being threatened, the Avocet may fly start calling out loudly and fly straight at the intruder! Don’t mess with the Avocet!