Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Andean Avocet (Recurvirostra andina)
Andean Avocet

Andean Avocet

Recurvirostra andina

The Andean avocet, Recurvirostra andina, presents a striking figure with its white head, neck, underparts, and rump contrasted against a dark brown back, wings, and tail. This bird, slightly bulkier than its relative the American avocet, measures 43–48 cm in length and weighs between 315–410 g, with an average mass of 361 g, possibly making it the heaviest member of the Recurvirostridae family. Its grey legs, though not as elongated as those of other avocets, support its robust frame, while the long, thin, and characteristically upturned black bill is a defining feature.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Andean avocet, look for the unique combination of its white and dark brown plumage, the upturned bill, and the shorter grey legs. The bird's size and heft are also distinguishing characteristics within its family.

Habitat

This avocet favors the high-altitude environments of the Andes, where it is often found near shallow, preferably alkaline lakes, a habitat that provides the conditions necessary for its survival and breeding.

Distribution

The Andean avocet is a resident species, making its home in the Andean regions above 3500 meters, with its range extending across northwestern Argentina, western Bolivia, northern Chile, and southern Peru.

Behaviour

A non-migratory bird, the Andean avocet may descend to slightly lower altitudes outside of the breeding season. It is known to nest in small groups, and its breeding activities include laying eggs as early as January. When foraging, this avocet is often seen sweeping its bill from side to side in the water or on mud flats, a behavior indicative of its search for crustacean and insect prey.

Breeding

Breeding occurs at high altitudes near shallow lakes, with egg-laying recorded in at least January. The social aspects of their breeding, such as group nesting, are noted.

Similar Species

The Andean avocet can be confused with the local subspecies of black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus melanurus, which shares a similar color pattern. However, the stilt can be differentiated by its very long red legs, white tail, and straight bill.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Andean avocet consists of crustaceans and insects, which it adeptly captures by sweeping its bill through shallow waters or across mud flats.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Andean avocet as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Andean Avocets on Birda

Photos

More Stilts, Avocets

A photo of a Banded Stilt (Cladorhynchus leucocephalus)

Banded Stilt

Cladorhynchus leucocephalus
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
Nicole
Gets me outdoors more
I'm still loving this app. I use it most days & gets me outdoors more. Enjoying watching others progress and photo's, it's improved my wellbeing.... I love this app! I can keep a record of sightings and see what others have seen too.
SuperOliviaGirl
Really great app
It’s easy to use and it’s fun to log the birds you notice on a walk or just in your garden. There’s a option to record the birds you see in a session which is really nice. Good excuse to stop for a while and just watch birds. I am also enjoying the information part where you can find out fact about birds from all over the world.
Paul F
Very good database
Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
Jane N
A great app
Enjoying it immensely and finding it useful too. Recording the different birds and counting them is showing me how the present climate is affecting them all. I've trebled the numbers by planting native hedging. A great app.
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.