Old World avocet

The Old World avocet (R. avosetta) is a large shorebird belonging to the genus Recurvirostra. These birds are characterized by their contrasting plumage, long bluish legs, and a distinctive upturned black bill. They inhabit marshes with shallow water and mud flats, where they feed by sweeping their bills through the water to catch small aquatic life. Old World avocets are often seen wading together in lines to corral their prey. They typically nest in colonies on the ground, with nests that can be built up if flooding occurs. This species breeds in central Asia and parts of Europe, with many migrating to Africa for the winter.1