Andean avocet

bird

Also known as: Recurvirostra andina

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Last updated

June 11, 2026

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The Andean avocet (Recurvirostra andina) is a large shorebird found in the high Andes of South America. It is characterized by its primarily white body with black back and wings. These birds inhabit alkali lakes and feed by sweeping their upturned bills through shallow water to catch small prey. The Andean avocet belongs to the family Recurvirostridae, which also includes other wading birds like stilts and ibisbills.12

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avocet
The Andean avocet (R. andina), with a primarily white body, black back and wings, is confined to alkali lakes of the high Andes. The red-necked, or Australian, avocet (R. novaehollandiae) is black and white with red-brown head and neck.
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The Andean avocet (R. andina), with a primarily white body, black back and wings, is confined to alkali lakes of the high Andes. The red-necked, or Australian, avocet (R. novaehollandiae) is black and white with red-brown head and neck.
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