(Recurvirostra novaehollandiae)
Length: 40-46 cm Common to WA, uncommon at LKCC
This bird was formerly known as the Australian Avocet. The long slender upturned bill distinguishes it from its closest relatives, the Stilts. It is a graceful, colourful large wader with long stilt like legs. The toes are half webbed allowing it to swim quite readily. The legs stretch out beyond its tail in flight. Avocets feed by wading in both salt and freshwater wetlands. They feed on tiny crustaceans, aquatic insects, worms and molluscs.
They are almost always found in large flocks or groups, often with Stilts. In pre-mating displays, the birds bow and bill-dip. They breed from August to December. The nest is a depression in the ground lined with scraps of vegetation. Eggs: usually 4; olive brown splotched with dark brown.
