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Latin name

Recurvirostra avosetta

Family

Stilts and avocets (Recurvirostridae)

Overview

A distinctively-patterned black and white wader with a long up-curved beak. It is the emblem of the RSPB and symbolises the bird protection movement in the UK more than any other species. Its return in the 1940s and subsequent increase in numbers represents one of the most successful conservation and protection projects.

Where to see them

Coastal lagoons on the east coast in summer and the Exe estuary in winter.

When to see them

Along the east coast of England in summer and in the South-West in winter.

What they eat

Aquatic insects and their larvae, crustaceans and worms.

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Find out more

• Behaviour
• Breeding
• Conservation
• Feeding
• Legal status
• Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)