The American Avocet is an elegant shorebird with a long, upturned bill it sweeps side to side through shallow water to locate prey by touch. In breeding plumage its head and neck turn rich cinnamon-orange, turning gray-white in winter. It swims buoyantly and upends in deeper water like a dabbling duck.
Habitat
Shallow alkaline and freshwater lakes, mudflats, and salt ponds
Diet
Aquatic insects, crustaceans, and seeds
How common
Common
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