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TranslateAvocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta, Linnaeus, 1758)
Family: Recurvirostridae.
Length: 42 to 46cm Wingspan: 67 to 78cm Weight: 250 to 400g. Lifespan: 10 to 15 years.
Tends to breed from February till July here in Alicante. 3 to 4 eggs 1 brood.
Found mainly in Southern European and North African countries, bordering onto the Mediterranean Sea. Also prominent in countries bordering the Black Sea in the East. With its special needs met, it has been able to establish itself further north into the UK, mainly due to management of habitats, it has been able to breed successfully.
Habitat: Mainly shallow, saline coastal water lagoons and estuaries, as well as areas having terrestrial habitation, near to large freshwater muddy pools and ponds.
I am fortunate that I only live a 15 mins drive away, from what must be one of the definitive conditions that serves the Avocet’s needs. A large expanse of shallow, temperate saline waters, all year round, here in southern Spain. The added bonus being, the islands situated in the middle, giving the Avocet the ultimate breeding conditions; with added protection from the would-be land predators, that could raid their nests.
A pied coloured bird beautifully marked, with its distinctive upturned bill; which it uses in a sweeping motion (side to side) for shrimps, various crustaceans and aquatic insects, that are living in the water. Also, it will dip its head under the water to disturb the muddy sediments, for worms, more insects and crustaceans.
Although will be seen in flocks, on my observation, they are usually seen feeding in pairs and become obsessive with their space, if another avocet or other bird (usually a Stilt) comes too close they will squabble and most times the intruder will be chased away.
Read MoreFamily: Recurvirostridae.
Length: 42 to 46cm Wingspan: 67 to 78cm Weight: 250 to 400g. Lifespan: 10 to 15 years.
Tends to breed from February till July here in Alicante. 3 to 4 eggs 1 brood.
Found mainly in Southern European and North African countries, bordering onto the Mediterranean Sea. Also prominent in countries bordering the Black Sea in the East. With its special needs met, it has been able to establish itself further north into the UK, mainly due to management of habitats, it has been able to breed successfully.
Habitat: Mainly shallow, saline coastal water lagoons and estuaries, as well as areas having terrestrial habitation, near to large freshwater muddy pools and ponds.
I am fortunate that I only live a 15 mins drive away, from what must be one of the definitive conditions that serves the Avocet’s needs. A large expanse of shallow, temperate saline waters, all year round, here in southern Spain. The added bonus being, the islands situated in the middle, giving the Avocet the ultimate breeding conditions; with added protection from the would-be land predators, that could raid their nests.
A pied coloured bird beautifully marked, with its distinctive upturned bill; which it uses in a sweeping motion (side to side) for shrimps, various crustaceans and aquatic insects, that are living in the water. Also, it will dip its head under the water to disturb the muddy sediments, for worms, more insects and crustaceans.
Although will be seen in flocks, on my observation, they are usually seen feeding in pairs and become obsessive with their space, if another avocet or other bird (usually a Stilt) comes too close they will squabble and most times the intruder will be chased away.
