Recurvirostra

Recurvirostra is a small genus of wading birds in the family Recurvirostridae, order Charadriiformes. The genus, commonly known as avocets, includes two living species: the Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) and the American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana). The name derives from the upturned bill characteristic of the group.

Description and ecology: Avocets are medium-sized waders with long legs and a distinctive up-curved bill. Adults typically display bold black-and-white plumage, with variations between species. They are highly aquatic and forage in shallow water by sweeping their upturned bills from side to side to detect prey.

Habitat and distribution: They inhabit shallow wetlands, mudflats, and brackish lagoons. The American Avocet breeds in wetlands across much of North America and winters along the southern United States and Central America. The Pied Avocet breeds around parts of Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, with wintering areas in subtropical Africa and southern Asia.

Behavior and reproduction: They are gregarious, often foraging and roosting in loose flocks and nesting colonies. They breed on the ground in shallow scrapes near water. Clutch size is typically 3-5 eggs, incubated by both parents for about two to three weeks. Chicks are precocial and follow adults shortly after hatch.

Status: Conservation status varies by species and region; habitat loss and wetland degradation affect local populations, though both species are not universally listed as globally threatened. Protected areas and international conservation efforts help sustain key sites.