Last year, your Birdorable team—Arthur and Amy—embarked on a three-week adventure across the diverse landscapes of South Africa. Our journey took us from the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the wild heart of the Kruger National Park, then down to the picturesque coastline of Cape Town and along the stunning Garden Route to Port Elizabeth, before circling back to Johannesburg. Along the way, we had the privilege of exploring several of the country’s breathtaking national parks, each offering its own unique encounters with Africa’s remarkable wildlife.

One of the absolute highlights of our trip was our visit to VulPro, an incredible world-class vulture rehabilitation, rescue, and breeding center located just outside of Johannesburg. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as we found ourselves there on International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD), September 2, 2023. In celebration of IVAD this year, we're excited to share some of our photos and experiences from that unforgettable visit.

VulPro is not just a sanctuary; it is a beacon of hope for the vulture species of southern Africa, many of which are critically endangered. We had booked our visit well in advance, ensuring that we could take in everything this remarkable facility has to offer. If you're planning to visit, keep in mind that VulPro is open to the public by appointment only, so it's essential to plan ahead.

Our day at VulPro began with a warm welcome from the knowledgeable and passionate staff, who are clearly dedicated to the conservation and well-being of vultures. We were given an informative, comprehensive tour of the facility by employee Clarence, starting with the mews where various species of vultures and other birds of prey were being rehabilitated. Seeing these magnificent birds up close, some recovering from injuries and others preparing to be reintroduced into the wild, was both humbling and inspiring. The staff explained the challenges these birds face in the wild, from poisoning and power line collisions to habitat loss, and how VulPro is working tirelessly to combat these threats. We saw individuals healing from terrible burn injuries, recovering from wing fractures, and one famous White-backed Vulture who was the recipient of a revolutionary beak transplant.

One of the most fascinating aspects of our visit was learning about VulPro's breeding programs. These programs are crucial for the survival of several vulture species. The chicks hatched here are carefully raised and monitored, with many eventually being released into the wild to help bolster dwindling populations. It's an incredible example of how conservation efforts can make a tangible difference.

As part of our visit we were able to spend some time in the hide at VulPro's "vulture restaurant." This specially designated area is a feeding site where wild vultures can safely feast on carcasses provided by VulPro. As we settled into the hide, we were soon rewarded with the sight of wild Cape Griffon vultures soaring in from all directions to visit the restaurant. Watching these majestic birds descend and feed was an awe-inspiring experience. Seeing the wild birds feeding on the safe, clean carcasses was a beautiful visual reminder of their vital role in the ecosystem as nature’s clean-up crew.

As we observed the vultures, we couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration for these often-misunderstood creatures. Their role in the environment is crucial, and without them, ecosystems would suffer. VulPro's work is vital not just for the survival of vultures but for the health of the ecosystems they help maintain.

Our visit to VulPro was truly memorable, and we left with a greater appreciation for the challenges faced by vultures and the incredible work being done to protect them. If you ever find yourself in South Africa, a visit to VulPro is an absolute must. It's an opportunity to witness conservation in action and to learn about the important role vultures play in our world.

In honor of International Vulture Awareness Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to learn more about these remarkable birds and to support conservation efforts like those at VulPro. Together, we can help ensure that vultures continue to soar in the skies for generations to come.

The Hooded Vulture is one of Africa’s most distinctive scavengers, easily recognized by its bare, pinkish head and scruffy, hood-like feathers that give this bird its name. Found across sub-Saharan Africa, the Hooded Vulture is typically seen patrolling the skies or perched near human settlements, where it feeds on the remains of dead animals and scraps left by humans. Despite its essential role in the ecosystem, this species is facing significant threats, leading to a dramatic decline in its population.

Hooded Vultures are relatively small compared to other vulture species, with a wingspan of around 5.5 feet and weighing between 3.5 and 5.3 pounds. They are often mistaken for younger or smaller vultures due to their size and scruffy appearance, but their pinkish face and white ruff of feathers around the neck make them easy to identify.

These vultures are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from savannas and forests to urban areas. They are often seen alone or in small groups, although larger gatherings can occur around abundant food sources. Hooded Vultures are not picky eaters; they consume carrion, waste from slaughterhouses, and even scraps from local markets. Their feeding habits are crucial for maintaining a clean environment, as they help dispose of rotting carcasses that could otherwise spread disease.

In addition to their role as scavengers, Hooded Vultures have an interesting breeding habit. They typically nest in tall trees, where they build a simple platform of sticks in a foliage-covered fork. Most other vultures that use trees for nesting will build at the top of the tree. The female usually lays a single egg, which both parents incubate for about 48 to 54 days. After hatching, the chick is cared for by both parents until it fledges at around 3 to 4 months old. 

Unfortunately, the Hooded Vulture’s adaptability has not been enough to protect it from human-induced threats. The species has seen a sharp population decline in recent decades, leading to its classification as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The primary threats to Hooded Vultures include habitat loss and poisoning. In some areas, vultures are deliberately poisoned by poachers who do not want them to reveal the location of poached animals to authorities. Additionally, traditional medicine practices in some cultures have created a demand for vulture body parts, further endangering these birds.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Hooded Vulture, including anti-poisoning campaigns, habitat protection, and community education programs. In some regions, laws have been enacted to regulate the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals that can poison vultures. International organizations are also working to monitor vulture populations and promote sustainable practices that support both local communities and wildlife.

The plight of the Hooded Vulture serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and nature. These birds play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and their decline could have far-reaching consequences. By supporting conservation efforts and raising awareness about the threats facing vultures, we can help ensure that the Hooded Vulture continues to soar through Africa’s skies for generations to come.

The Hooded Vulture joined Birdorable on August 24, 2012. Find unique gifts featuring our cute cartoon Hooded Vulture in our shop; see some fun example options below!

Vultures have a reputation for being dirty, filthy, and unappealing. This stereotype likely comes from their unique diet and their habit of scavenging on carcasses. But the truth is that vultures are some of the cleanest birds around, and they play a vital role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems. Let’s bust the myth that vultures are dirty birds and explore the many ways they contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.

First, let’s talk about why vultures have such a bad rap. Vultures feed primarily on dead animals. The idea of eating rotting meat doesn’t exactly scream cleanliness. But vultures are equipped with some fascinating adaptations that allow them to safely consume carrion without getting sick. Their stomachs produce incredibly strong acids, which are capable of neutralizing dangerous bacteria and viruses found in decaying meat, including pathogens like anthrax and botulism that would be lethal to most other animals.

Not only do vultures handle these dangerous pathogens with ease, but they also help prevent the spread of disease. By consuming dead animals, vultures remove potential breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Without vultures, carcasses would linger in the environment, attracting other scavengers that might not be as efficient at cleaning up. This could lead to outbreaks of disease that could affect both wildlife and humans. So, rather than being dirty, vultures are nature’s cleanup crew, playing a crucial role in keeping ecosystems healthy.

Another reason vultures get a bad reputation is their appearance. Most species have bald heads and necks, which can give them a somewhat, subjectively, unattractive look. But there’s a good reason for their lack of feathers in these areas. When vultures feed, they often have to stick their heads deep into carcasses to reach the meat. If they had feathers on their heads, these would quickly become matted with blood and other fluids, leading to a messy, unhygienic situation. Instead, their bald skin is easier to keep clean. After feeding, vultures will often sunbathe, which not only helps them dry off but also kills off any bacteria that might be lingering on their skin.

Vultures are also known for their unusual behavior of defecating on their legs. While this might seem gross at first glance, it’s actually another clever adaptation. This behavior, known as urohydrosis, helps vultures cool down on hot days since the evaporating liquid carries away heat. Additionally, vulture droppings are highly acidic, which means they help kill off any bacteria that might be present on the birds' legs after they’ve been walking around on carcasses.

Despite their crucial role in the ecosystem, vultures are often misunderstood and even persecuted. In some cultures, they’re associated with death and bad omens, which has led to negative perceptions. But in reality, vultures are vital to our environment. Their presence reduces the spread of diseases, and they help to keep natural areas free of decaying matter that could otherwise harm other wildlife.

In some parts of the world, vulture populations are declining due to poisoning, habitat loss, and other human activities. This is not only a tragedy for the birds themselves but also for the ecosystems that depend on them. As vulture numbers dwindle, the rate of disease transmission from decaying carcasses could increase, affecting both animals and people.

For further reading, check out this fascinating article on the correlation between the decline of vultures in India with an increase in human deaths: When Vultures Nearly Disappeared in India, Half a Million People Died, Too, Study Finds. 

“Vultures provide an incredible disposal service for free. A group of vultures takes about 45 minutes to turn a cow carcass into bone." [...] The death of the vultures was “the largest sanitation shock you could imagine, where you have 50 million (cow) carcasses every year not being disposed of [...]”

It’s time to change the way we think about vultures. These birds are far from dirty—they’re nature’s sanitation workers, ensuring that our environment stays clean and disease-free. Next time you see a vulture soaring overhead, remember that they’re doing us all a favor by taking care of the mess that others leave behind.

This coming Saturday, September 7th, marks International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD). This commemorative day, always the first Saturday in September, has been celebrated since at least 2009. IVAD aims to highlight the importance of vultures and vulture conservation through education.

We'd like to focus on vultures and condors this week leading up to the big day through a series of blog posts featuring these important families of birds. As an introduction, here are some vulture highlights from our blog and website archives.

• We feature all 23 species of vulture here at Birdorable. You can see our cute cartoon versions of these birds, and check out the 'meet' pages.

• On the blog we've featured longer species profiles of several of our vultures and condors: Turkey Vulture; Black Vulture; California Condor; Palm-nut Vulture; Andean Condor. Stay tuned this week for more species profiles.

• Our Vultures of the World landing page is a great place to find all of our species illustrations and profiles, as well as coloring pages and other free downloads, a link to our Vultures of the World map (also available in Spanish), and more.

• For IVAD 2009, as part of a blog carnival (remember those?!) on the topic, we featured 14 Favorite Vulture Facts on the Birdorable blog.

• For Vulture Week in 2014, we shared a list of Vulture Frequently Asked Questions that answered some of the most common FAQs about these fascinating birds.

• A glossary of vulture-related terms was posted during Vulture Week 2015. 

• A blog post about Vulture Extremes was also featured in 2015.

• See all of our vulture-related blog posts here: all Birdorable blog vulture posts.

Join us this week as we once again highlight vulture species, vulture biology and other fun vulture topics in the coming days! We're excited to gear up to celebrate another International Vulture Awareness Day!

The Pied Crow is a fascinating and adaptable bird native to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. With its striking black-and-white plumage and intelligent behavior, this bird is one of the most recognizable members of the crow family. Whether you're interested in corvids for their smarts or their striking appearance, the Pied Crow is sure to capture your attention.

The Pied Crow is a medium-sized bird, with a body length of about 18 to 20 inches. Its name comes from its distinctive coloration: a glossy black head, wings, and tail, contrasted with a bright white chest and belly. This stark contrast makes the Pied Crow easy to identify, even from a distance. In fact, its name "pied" refers to this black-and-white pattern, similar to the term used to describe other animals with similar markings, like the Pied Kingfisher.

These birds are highly intelligent, a trait common among members of the corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, and magpies. Pied Crows are known for their problem-solving skills, use of tools, and ability to learn from observing others. In the wild, they have been observed dropping rocks onto ostrich eggs to break them. They also follow bush fires to capture insects trying to escape the flames. That's pretty smart! Their intelligence also makes them highly adaptable, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments.

Pied Crows are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat almost anything they can find. Their diet includes insects, small mammals, other birds, carrion, and fruits and seeds. In urban areas, they are often seen scavenging for scraps, around garbage dumps, and can become quite bold around humans. This adaptability in their diet contributes to their success in different habitats, from savannas and open woodlands to cities and towns.

Socially, Pied Crows are quite gregarious, often seen in pairs or small groups. They are known for their loud, cawing calls, which they use to communicate with each other. These calls can be heard throughout the day as the birds interact, defend their territory, or signal the presence of food. 

When it comes to nesting, Pied Crows are just as resourceful as they are in their feeding habits. They typically build large, sturdy nests out of sticks and other materials, placing them in trees, on power poles, or even on buildings. The female lays a clutch of three to six eggs, which both parents incubate for about three weeks. Both parents take turns feeding the chicks, which fledge about a month after hatching.

The Pied Crow is not just a common bird in its range; it also plays a significant role in the local ecosystems. By scavenging carrion, these crows help clean up the environment, and by preying on insects and small animals, they help control those populations. However, in some areas, they are considered pests, particularly when they target crops or raid other birds' nests.

The intelligence, adaptability, and striking appearance of Pied Crows make them one of the most interesting birds in Africa. Whether you're a birder, a nature lover, or just someone who appreciates clever animals, the Pied Crow is a bird worth learning about.

Meet the Black-necked Stilt: Nature’s Noisy Neighbor

At Birdorable, we love capturing the unique personalities of birds in our designs, and our latest creation, added recently and being highlighted as our Avocet & Stilt Week comes to a close, is no exception! The Black-necked Stilt is a bird that makes its presence known—often before you even see it. With its striking black-and-white plumage, long pink legs, and that unmistakable yapping call, this bird is a true standout in the marshes it calls home.

JUST YAPPING AROUND: The Inspiration Behind the Design

Our new design features a cartoon Black-necked Stilt standing tall in a shallow marsh, surrounded by cattails, with its beak wide open in mid-yap. The bold text JUST YAPPING AROUND perfectly captures the essence of this vocal bird. Black-necked Stilts are known for their sharp, repetitive calls that echo across wetlands, earning them the affectionate nickname "Marsh Poodle." If you’ve ever heard these birds, you know exactly why—they sound just like a yapping little dog!

The Marsh Poodle: More Than Just a Nickname

The Black-necked Stilt’s nickname, "Marsh Poodle," isn’t just a fun moniker—it’s a reflection of this bird’s role in its ecosystem. These stilts are highly territorial and are known to use their yapping calls to defend their nesting sites from intruders, whether they’re other birds, animals, or even humans. Their persistent calls serve as a reminder that these wetlands are their domain, and they’re not shy about letting everyone know it.

Why We Love the Black-necked Stilt

There’s so much to admire about the Black-necked Stilt beyond its vocal tendencies. These birds are graceful and agile, often seen wading through shallow waters on their long, slender legs in search of food. Their striking appearance and spirited behavior make them a favorite among birdwatchers and naturalists enthusiasts alike. At Birdorable, we wanted to celebrate all these qualities with a cute cartoon design that’s as lively and fun as the bird itself.

How to Enjoy Our Black-necked Stilt Design

Our "JUST YAPPING AROUND" design is available on a variety of products, from t-shirts to tote bags, so you can take a little bit of marshland charm with you wherever you go. Whether you’re a birder who’s familiar with the Black-necked Stilt’s calls or someone who just loves a fun, quirky design, this Birdorable creation is sure to be a hit. Check out our shop to see all the ways you can enjoy this unique bird!

Join the Conversation: Have You Heard the Marsh Poodle?

We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever encountered a Black-necked Stilt in the wild? Did its yapping call leave a lasting impression? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s celebrate this remarkable bird together. And don’t forget to check out our other Birdorable designs featuring the fascinating and fun birds of the world.

Avocet & Stilt Week: That's a Wrap!

Thanks for joining us this week as we highlighted the leggy birds in the Recurvirostridae family -- the Avocets and Stilts of the world! We hope you enjoyed learning more about these snazzy waders and seeing our cute cartoon versions of them. 

There are six species of stilt in the world. Here at Birdorable, as part of Avocet & Stilt Week, we're introducing four new to our family. These will be joining the two existing Birdorable stilts -- and completing the family!

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

The Black-winged Stilt is one of the most widespread and easily recognized stilt species, found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. This bird is known for its striking black-and-white plumage, long pink legs, and slender black bill. Preferring shallow wetlands, such as marshes, estuaries, and salt pans, the Black-winged Stilt feeds by wading through the water and using its long bill to probe for insects, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Its long legs allow it to forage in deeper waters than many other wading birds, giving it access to a unique range of food sources. The Black-winged Stilt joined Birdorable in August 2010.

Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)

The Black-necked Stilt is native to the Americas, with populations ranging from the United States to South America. This species is similar in appearance to the Black-winged Stilt but is distinguished by its entirely black neck and back, contrasting with its white underparts. Found in coastal marshes, ponds, and shallow lakes, the Black-necked Stilt feeds primarily on aquatic invertebrates and small fish. It’s particularly known for its defensive behavior during the breeding season, often engaging in aggressive displays to protect its nest from potential predators. The Black-necked Stilt joined Birdorable in June 2010.

Banded Stilt (Cladorhynchus leucocephalus)

The Banded Stilt is a distinctive stilt species native to Australia. It is easily recognized by the bold chestnut band across its otherwise white body, which is most prominent during the breeding season. The Banded Stilt prefers ephemeral salt lakes and other shallow inland wetlands, where it feeds on brine shrimp and other small invertebrates. This species is nomadic, often moving great distances to find suitable habitats, especially after heavy rains create temporary wetlands in Australia’s arid interior. The Banded Stilt joined Birdorable earlier this Avocet & Stilt Week.

Black Stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae)

The Black Stilt, also known as the Kakī, is one of the rarest and most endangered wading birds in the world, endemic to New Zealand. This bird is entirely black, a unique feature among stilts, making it easily distinguishable from other species. The Black Stilt inhabits braided riverbeds and shallow wetlands, where it feeds on insects, worms, and small fish. Conservation efforts are critical for this species, as habitat loss and introduced predators have severely reduced its population. The Black Stilt joined Birdorable earlier this Avocet & Stilt Week.

Pied Stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus)

The Pied Stilt, also known as the White-headed Stilt, is found in Australasia and Southeast Asia. It has a similar appearance to the Black-winged Stilt but is distinguished by its white head and black back. This species frequents a variety of wetlands, including estuaries, lagoons, and rice paddies. The Pied Stilt is highly adaptable and is often seen feeding in both freshwater and saltwater environments, using its long legs and bill to hunt for invertebrates in shallow water. The Pied Stilt joined Birdorable earlier this Avocet & Stilt Week.

White-backed Stilt (Himantopus melanurus)

The White-backed Stilt is a striking stilt species native to South America, particularly in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. It resembles the Black-necked Stilt but has a distinctive white patch on its back, giving it its name. The White-backed Stilt is commonly found in shallow wetlands, where it forages for small invertebrates, insects, and crustaceans. This bird is also known for its strong social behavior, often nesting in colonies and displaying coordinated defensive tactics against predators. The White-backed Stilt joined Birdorable earlier this Avocet & Stilt Week.

Among the ten total global species of avocets and stilts, wading birds that are members of the Recurvirostridae family, there are a lot of interesting information and fascinating facts. Following our Amazing Adaptations post, here are some more facts about these long-legged birds.

Bird Terms Related to Avocets and Stilts

• Avocets and stilts are cosmopolitan -- they can be found nearly all around the world, with the exception of Antarctica. 

• Baby stilts and avocets are precocial. They are covered with down and their eyes are open at hatching. The can walk and feed themselves just hours later.

Taxonomy Tidbits

• A Special Subspecies: The Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) is an endemic, endangered subspecies of the Black-necked Stilt of the Americas. The Hawaiian Stilt is known as the aeʻo or kukuluaeʻo locally, is at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and predation by non-native species (a common problem for native Hawaiian birds).

• The Black-necked Stilt itself is considered to be a subspecies of the Black-winged Stilt by some taxonomic authorities; the AOS (American Ornithological Society) has always considered it to be its own separate species. 

• Taxonomy of the White-backed Stilt is also disputed, with some authorities considering it a subspecies of the Black-necked Stilt rather than its own separate species.

Long-legged and Long-lived!

• The longevity record for a wild American Avocet is just over 15 years for a bird banded in California. 

• The longevity record for a wild Black-necked Stilt is nearly 17 years, known from a bird first banded in 2002 and retrapped and released in 2019. 

• The longevity record for a wild Pied Avocet is nearly 28 years! This is known from bird ringing done in the Netherlands; the ring numbers were read in the field so the final disposition for this individual is unknown.

• The longevity record for a wild Black-winged Stilt is almost 19 years. This information is known from bird ringing done in Portugal and, like the Pied Avocet, was learned from reading ring numbers on a live bird. 

What's In a Name?

• The Pied Avocet is also known as the Black-capped Avocet, the Eurasian Avocet, or simply as Avocet in English-speaking regions of its range.

• The Black Stilt of New Zealand is known as kakī in Maori.

• The Pied Stilt is also commonly known as the White-headed Stilt.

• The Red-necked Avocet has several alternative common names: Australian Avocet; Cobbler's Awl; and Painted Lady. A cobbler's awl is a sharp tool, often with a curved tip, used to punch holes in materials like leather and vinyl. The shape of the cobbler's awl resembles the upcurved beak of avocets.

We’re excited to announce four new Birdorable coloring pages for Avocet & Stilt Week. This family of birds is known for their long legs, slender bills, and striking plumage, making them a favorite among bird enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a fan of avocets or stilts (or both!), you’ll love these new coloring pages. You can use your imagination to bring these birds to life with your favorite colors. And if you need a little inspiration, be sure to check our website to see their true colors.

Here’s what you can expect with our new coloring pages:

• Pied Avocet: This stunning bird has long, slender blue-gray legs and a distinctly upturned black bill. Its clean white plumage is accented by bold black markings on its wings, back, and crown, making it one of the most recognizable shorebirds in the world. Download the Pied Avocet coloring page here.

• Black-winged Stilt: Known for its long pink legs and straight, black bill, the Black-winged Stilt is an elegant shorebird with mostly white plumage. Its contrasting black wings and back make it truly stand out. Download the Black-winged Stilt coloring page here.

• Black-necked Stilt: With a distinctive black cap and neck, this stilt species is truly eye-catching. The Black-necked Stilt’s long pink legs and stark black-and-white plumage create a bold and beautiful combination. Download the Black-necked Stilt coloring page here.

• American Avocet: This beautiful bird is known for its long blue-gray legs and elegant upturned bill. The American Avocet’s wings are boldly patterned in black and white, and its head and neck change color during the breeding season, from a warm cinnamon to grayish-white in winter. Download the American Avocet coloring page here.

Coloring is a great way to relax and learn more about these amazing birds. Each coloring page is easy to print and perfect for bird lovers of all ages. Plus, it’s a fun way to appreciate the incredible diversity of shorebirds from around the world.

Once you’ve finished coloring, be sure to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #Birdorable. We can’t wait to see your colorful interpretations of these wonderful birds!

On this second day of Avocet & Stilt Week, we're introducing you to three new Birdorable species.

The avocets are a remarkable group of wading birds within the avocet and stilt (Recurvirostridae) family, known for their elegant appearance and unique feeding techniques. Among the four total species of avocets, the Andean Avocet, Pied Avocet, and Red-necked Avocet stand out for their distinctive traits and habitats. Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating birds that are new to Birdorable.

Andean Avocet (Recurvirostra andina)

The Andean Avocet is a striking bird native to the high-altitude wetlands of the Andes Mountains in South America. Unlike its relatives, which are often found in lowland coastal areas, the Andean Avocet is adapted to life in a more extreme environment, living at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 4,700 meters (about 11,500 to 15,400 feet) above sea level. This avocet, like the others in the family, is easily recognized by its black and white body plumage and its long, slender, upturned bill. The bill is particularly important for its feeding strategy, allowing the Andean Avocet to sweep through the shallow waters of high-altitude lakes and salt flats in search of small aquatic invertebrates. Its long legs enable it to wade through deeper waters, accessing food that other birds cannot reach. The Andean Avocet’s choice of such harsh habitats helps it avoid competition, but it also means it must be resilient to extreme temperatures and limited food resources.

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)

The Pied Avocet is perhaps the most iconic of the avocet species, known for its striking black-and-white plumage. Found across Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Pied Avocet inhabits coastal and inland wetlands, including estuaries, mudflats, and saline lagoons. Its elegant appearance is matched by its unique feeding technique, known as "scything." The Pied Avocet swings its upturned bill from side to side in the water, catching small crustaceans, insects, and other invertebrates. This feeding method is highly efficient, allowing the bird to cover large areas of shallow water quickly. The Pied Avocet is also known for its strong social behavior, often nesting in large colonies. This communal nesting strategy provides safety in numbers, as many eyes are on the lookout for predators. The Pied Avocations adaptability to various wetland environments and its striking appearance make it a favorite among birdwatchers across the pond.

Red-necked Avocet (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae)

The Red-necked Avocet is a species native to Australia, where it can be found in shallow inland wetlands, including salt lakes, swamps, and coastal estuaries. This avocet is easily identified by its reddish-brown head and neck, contrasting with its white body and black wings. Like its relatives, the Red-necked Avocet uses its upturned bill to feed by scything through the water, capturing small invertebrates and other aquatic prey. The Red-necked Avocet is well-adapted to Australia’s often harsh and variable climate, capable of traveling long distances to find suitable feeding and breeding grounds. During dry periods, these birds may move to coastal areas or more permanent water bodies. Their ability to adapt to changing environments is key to their survival in a land known for its extreme weather conditions.

American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)

The American Avocet is a striking wader native to North America, easily recognized by its long, upturned bill, black-and-white wings, and elegant, slender build. During the breeding season, adults have a beautiful cinnamon-colored head and neck, which turns to grayish-white in the winter. This species is commonly found in shallow wetlands, including freshwater and saline lakes, marshes, and mudflats. This graceful bird is also known for its distinctive behavior of nesting on the ground, often on small islands or in sparsely vegetated areas near water. This iconic species joined Birdorable in 2010!

Each of these avocet species—Andean, Pied, and Red-necked—has developed unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in their respective habitats. From the high-altitude wetlands of the Andes to the estuaries of Europe and Asia, and the salt lakes of Australia, avocets are a testament to nature's ability to shape species to fit their environments. Their specialized feeding techniques, striking appearances, and ability to adapt to diverse habitats make avocets some of the most fascinating birds to observe in the wild.

In total there are four avocet species in the world, and with the addition of these three joining the Birdorable American Avocet, we now have all of the birds in this group here in our flock!