As we travel about North Dakota during the spring, the lakes, marshes, and temporary potholes in the fields are often a hub of avian activity.
Ducks, geese, and a wide variety of shorebirds are busy feeding, and doing the all-important work of getting their next generation off to a good start. One of the more conspicuous and intriguing shorebirds is the American avocet.
Many of you have no doubt noticed some larger long-legged shorebirds wading through the shallow water of marshes and potholes during the spring and early summer, standing around a foot and a half tall. The head and neck is a rusty to reddis-pink color while the body is black and white. And here is the really interesting and major identification characteristic: they have a long upturned bill. It is also interesting to note that avocets have webbed feet, but we seldom get to see them.
This interesting and colorful bird is the American avocet (Recurvirostra americana). The genus name Recurvirostra is an obvious reference to the upturned bill. And as the epithet implies, it is bird of the Americas. The American avocet is, however, a western species, found mainly west of the Mississippi River.
Although the American avocet has been documented to breed over much of the state, it is mostly observed north and east of the Missouri River. They are often observed in our region on prairie potholes, semi-permanent wetlands feeding on aquatic invertebrates in shallow water, mudflats, and sparsely vegetated shorelines.
Avocets may be observed poking and prodding their bills in the shallow water. But they are noted for feeding in shallow water, alone or in groups, by sweeping their bills in a side to side motion as they walk forward slowly.
The avocet’s breeding season runs from early May to July. They are ground nesters, and often nest in small colonies. Females will lay 3-4 eggs in a small scrape in the ground, often on or near a shoreline. The nest may be a simple scrape, or perhaps lined with feathers, vegetation, or other material.
Many avocet populations in the western United States are doing well. Wetland drainage has reduced shallow water habitats. However, in the last decade or so their populations in some areas are now increasing. Perhaps the habitat in the remaining wetlands better suits their needs.
Chuck Lura
Natural North Dakota is supported by NDSU Central Grasslands Research Extension Center and Dakota College at Bottineau, and by the members of Prairie Public. Thanks to Sunny 101.9 in Bottineau for their recording services.
