Avocets and Stilts (Recurvirostridae)

 

The Recurvirostridae encompasses the avocets and the stilts; 3 genera and 7-11 species. They are distributed on all the world's continents except Antarctica. Several species are wide-ranging, whereas others have limited distribution. All members of the family have long, thin bills, necks and legs; the bills are curved upwards in avocets, and are straight in stilts. The plumage is usually black and white. Stilts and avocets nest near water, often in loose colonies. They lay 3-4 eggs in simple nests, and incubate for 22-28 days. The chicks are precocial. The Recurvirostridae feed on small aquatic animals including small shrimp, mollusks, worms, insect larvae, tadpoles, and small fish.

 

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