(Recurvirostra americana)
The family =Recurvirostridae= has but two representatives on the Coast.
The American avocet breeds from Washington southward and spends its
winters from central California south. They are quite plentiful in
southern California during the winter months, increasing in numbers in
Lower California and Mexico. Its webbed feet and long upward turned
bill are features by which it may always be known. It is generally
found in flocks and frequents both fresh and salt-waters.
=Color=--Head and neck, ashy gray; back and under parts, white; the
primaries and upper half of the secondaries, black, making the wing
about half black; bill, very slender and curved upward; legs, very
long and of a lead color; feet, webbed.
=Nest and Eggs=--The nest contains three to four eggs of a pale olive,
spotted with brown.
=Measurements=--Total length, about 19 inches; wing, 8, and bill,
3-1/2 inches.