Tuesday, July 16, 2013

American Avocet


American Avocet
The American avocet is a shorebird that nests in the prairie pothole region of central North America, from southern Canada down to Northern Texas. They are very territorial and will defend their nest occasionally even against predators like northern harriers. Even though they are quick to defend their nest they are not against laying an egg or two in another avocet's nest or even the nest of another species. However what comes around goes around because avocets are sometimes found with eggs from other birds, such as black-necked stilts mixed in their nest. Fortunately avocet chicks do not take long to develop they are usually out of the nest and able to swim and run with in a day of hatching. During the winter avocets head down to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The red on the neck and head of this bird indicates that it is in breeding plumage.  


6 comments:

Unknown said...

So interesting how they are territorial yet will lay their eggs in others nests! They certainly do grow up fast in one day! Thanks for the lesson about the American avocet!

TheChieftess said...

What a sweet one!!!

Unknown said...

I only know of one type of avocet which I only occasionally get to see. They do fascinate me!
Thanks for sharing.

Roger Owen Green said...

Bold ones they are. and quick learners!

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Joy said...

What a beautiful bird with a fascinating story.
Joy - ABC Team

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Nice capture of the swimming avocet!