Pied Avocet

Description:

Is a large black and white wader in the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. Males and females look alike. The juvenile resembles the adult but with more greyish and sepia tones.

Habitat:

These birds forage in shallow brackish water or on mud flats. They mainly eat crustaceans and insects. Their breeding habitat is also shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud. They nest on open ground, often in small groups, sometimes with other waders. 3-5 eggs are laid in a lined scrape or on a mound of vegetation.

Notes:

Salty lake in Playa Pinet, Santa Pola.