The
Avocet is about 42cm long, and its most distinguishing characteristic
is its thin, long (approximately 8-8.8cm) upward-curving beak,
which is yellowish-orange in color with a black tip. Their plumage-which
consists of a pale gray crown, back, and wings; a white belly;
and some fine, grayish-brown specks on the sides of their neck-does
not undergo much change between summer and winter. Avocets also
have a distinctive black and white striped pattern on their
backs and sides, bluish-gray legs, and long, webbed feet that
are lacking in a rear toe.
Behavior:
Avocets
are common shorebirds in Europe that leave every autumn to find
a warmer place to pass the winter, and despite the long journey
to Taiwan, approximately 200 of them will appear in the areas
around Ssutsao, Tainan. Avocets prefer to live in wetlands,
such as fish farms, shoals, salt pans, and swamps, and are often
seen in rivers and intertidal areas either alone or in very
small groups. They are beautifully poised birds when flying.
Avocets look for food by thrusting their bills underwater and
swinging them from side to side along the bottoms of rivers
and streams to stir up small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans.
Crabs are their favorite food, and Avocets can often be seen
chasing after unsheltered crabs on mudflats.
Habitat:
Avocets
are rare winter visitors to Taiwan and can be found throughout
Europe and West Asia. Some 300 Avocets come to Taiwan every
year, which is the largest gathering of the species to be found
in East Asia.
