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Distinctive shorebird with very long and dramatically up-curved bill, dark red head and neck.
Not listed
Endemic to Australia
At a glance
FamilyStilts and Avocets
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatMudflats, saltmarsh, estuaries, beaches, lagoons, and shallow inland wetlands.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from October to January.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Marc Anderson
Range map
Range map
2150visible hotspots
65734visible records
5states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
In flight shows patches of black on the back, shoulders, and wing-tips. Usually seen on or near water, both on the coast and inland. It is the only avocet species in Australia.
Behavior
Distinctive shorebird with very long and dramatically up-curved bill, dark red head and neck. Wades in shallow water; readily swims in deeper water.
Gallery