Birds · Charadriiformes · Recurvirostridae

Pied Avocet

Recurvirostra avosetta

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It is the only species of its genus in Europe, easily told by its upcurved bill — unique among European waders — which it sweeps sideways through the water to find invertebrates.

Weight

304 g on average

Size

42 cm – 45 cm

Lifespan

20 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Colony

Lives in large concentrations, often for breeding reasons.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

FreshwaterCarnivore Diurnal Colonial Bird Freshwater

45countries 66parks1same family

Fun facts

anatomíaIt has an upcurved bill, which it sweeps from side to side through water or mud to catch small invertebrates.
conservaciónIt is the emblem of several European bird conservation organisations, thanks to its unmistakable outline and to being one of the first species successfully protected after its wetlands declined.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - pneumatised bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Coastal lagoons, marshes and brackish wetlands of Europe, Central Asia and Africa
Birth weight: Exact weight at hatching not found as a precise figure
Size at birth: Precocial, able to hide in nearby vegetation soon after hatching
Sexual maturity: 2 years
Gestation / incubation: 23-25 days
Litter / clutch size: 3 to 4 eggs per clutch