American Avocet
Recurvirostra americana
Bird · Uncommon to rare migrant in Iowa, generally secure globally but dependent on the conservation of critical wetland stopover sites.
Summary
The American Avocet is a striking shorebird recognized by its elegant upturned bill and bold black-and-white wing patterns. During migration, these birds temporarily visit Iowa wetlands, mudflats, and shallow marshes. They forage by sweeping their distinctive bills side to side through the water to capture aquatic invertebrates.
Identification tips
Adults feature a long, slender, strongly upturned bill, bluish-gray legs, and cinnamon-colored heads and necks during the breeding season, which turn whitish-gray in winter. Their bodies display a bold black-and-white pattern from above, and they stand roughly 16 to 18 inches tall.
Habitat
Found primarily around shallow inland wetlands, flooded agricultural fields, muddy shores of lakes, and saline or freshwater ponds during migration periods in Iowa.
Similar species
Black-necked Stilts share similar long legs and wetland habitats, but possess straight black bills instead of the distinctly upturned bill of the avocet.
Sources
Sightings on Iowa Wildlife
No sightings have been linked to this species yet.
Species text is a short compilation for this site, not an official DNR page.