(Pied) Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
The Avocet, also called the Pied/Eurasian Avocet, is a black and white wader with a distinctive up-curved bill.
It is named after European advocates' (lawyers') black caps.
Avocet pair on nest with eggs
Breeding in temperate Europe through to Central Asia, most winter in Africa/India but some remain resident.
After becoming extinct in the UK, it recolonised UK saltmarshes in the latter half of 20th century
(and became the symbol of bird protection charity RSPB).
The typical foraging method is swaying the bill from side to side.
Avocet wings and in flight.
Young Avocets with some dark brown plumage remaining.
Fluffy, independent avocet chick.
