American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)
 
Status in the Checklist Area - (4) Accidental
     
 
Information

Uncommon and local in British Columbia where it does breed mainly in the southern interior of the Province. A large, distinct shorebird boldly patterned in black and white with an upturned bill. Breeding adults have rusty coloured heads and neck. Non-breeding adults and juveniles have paler grey heads and necks. Encountered in our checklist area during migration months. Migrates south to Mexico but has overwintered on the coast in the past on a few occasions. Feeds by wading in shallow water and sweeping its bill back and forth through the water to capture mainly invertebrates.

Similar species:
Quite distinct and eye-catching!

Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Ministry of Environment, British Columbia

     
Noteworthy Data
 
Date
Location
Source(s)
Comments
13-Aug-2010 Harrison Lagoon, Harrison Hot Springs K. R. Jones Juvenile feeding in lagoon.
02-Sept-2009 Mill Lake, Abbotsford J. Pike Juvenile resting near trail.
19-May-2001 Wiband Creek Park, Abbotsford B. Schmor Flew into NW pond at dusk.
24-Aug-1987 Fraser River, Chilliwack G. Gadsden Feeding in back channel.
 
Photographs
           
             
                   
                   
                   
Audio and Video    
None available
 

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