American Avocet
The avocet is a year round resident of Monterey County. This picture, taken at Elkhorn Slough, shows a male adult bird in its
winter colors. The female's bill is generally more curved. This bird's head and neck turn a rust color during the breeding season. They inhabit shallow ponds and marshes and
feed by sweeping their bill from side to side through the water.
Field marks:
- 18 inches
- long, slender upturned bill
- black wings with white stripe
- light blue legs
|
|