Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) - 10 July 2013. Ndutu Safari Lodge, Arusha Region, Tanzania.



This distinctive species includes a migratory Palearctic population and a largely resident east and south African population. The latter is said to have red eyes unlike European birds (Zimmerman et al. 1996) but no subspecies are recognized.

These members of the Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets) forage in shallow water, sweeping their bills back and forth. Females have a more strongly upturned bill than males. I judged this individual to be a female.

Nikon P510 Coolpix Point-and-shoot
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