The American Avocet is an elegant shorebird with a long, upturned bill it sweeps side to side through shallow water to locate prey by touch. In breeding plumage its head and neck turn rich cinnamon-orange, turning gray-white in winter. It swims buoyantly and upends in deeper water like a dabbling duck.
Best time to see a American Avocet
The best time to see a American Avocet is January–June, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 32,746 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a American Avocet? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent American Avocet sightings near you
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