American Avocet
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Avocets adapt well to living in both salt water and fresh water environments. Their diet consists of the marine organisms, such as insects or mollusks, in their territory. This general adaptability has helped keep population levels fairly stable.
The avocet is a rather striking bird. During breeding season the head turns to rust or reddish color, making them a popular shorebird to observe and photograph.
They are also social birds. You can see them year round, living and eating in small group settings.
The above picture shows an American Avocet in breeding plumage with the salmon colored feathers on and around the head. In non-breeding the head feathers turn white.
© 2006 Patricia A. Michaels