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Birds by name

Avocet

Conservation status: Amber

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.

Overview

Latin name

Recurvirostra avosetta

Family

Stilts and avocets (Recurvirostridae)

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.

Population

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
38-57,000 pairs877 pairs7,500 birds-

* 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.

Distribution

In the UK
East and south coasts of England
In Europe
Southern Scandinavia to the Mediterranean
Worldwide
Europe, Africa and western Asia

Illustrations

Audio

Marco Dragonetti, Xeno-canto

Characteristics

Avocet

Avocet
  • Size: between pigeon-mallard
  • Feather colours: black, white
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey
  • Beak length: long
  • Beak thickness: long
  • Beak shape: long
  • Leg colour: black/grey, blue
  • Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground