Table Of Contents
- Description
- Behavior
- Reproduction and Life History
- Morphology
- Trophic Strategy
- Ecology and Distribution
- Distribution
- Habitat
- Associations
- Conservation
- Relevance
- Uses
- Biodiversity Heritage Library
- References and More Information
- Literature References
- Specialist Projects
- Common Names
Behavior
American avocets are migratory birds that form social groups and are colonial nesters. Outside of breeding season they may gather in flocks of several hundred and feed in dense groups. They show crepuscular activity patterns. (Ehrlich, Dobkin, and Wheye, 1988; Hayman, Marchant, and Prater, 1986; Nethersole-Thompson, 1986)
Home Range
We do not have information on home range for this species at this time.
Communication and Perception
American avocets make loud "wheet" or "pleeet" and shrill "kleeap" sounds that are often repeated. They are very noisy when intruders approach active nests. They also communicate using complex displays that include dancing, bowing and crouching. (Ehrlich, Dobkin, and Wheye, 1988; Kaufman, 2000; Soothill and Soothill, 1982)