AVOCET  

The avocet is a long-legged, long-necked wading bird of the genus Recurvirostra. It has white plumage with contrasting black markings; the sexes cannot be distinguished by their plumage. The long, upturned bill is efficient for catching small crustaceans, mollusks, and insects in shallow or muddy waters. The birds nest gregariously. The American avocet, R. americana, which is 46 cm (18 in) long, breeds in western North and Central America but strays during migrations to the eastern coast of the United States, where it once nested. During the breeding season it has a buff-colored head and neck. The pied avocet, R. avosetta, of the Old World has a black band atop its head and neck. Avocets and STILTS constitute the family Recurvirostridae.