The Red-Necked Avocet (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae) is fairly common and widespread throughout Australia, except for the north and north east coastal areas of the country.
Like other avocet this species is easy to identify because of its fine, upturned beak. (There are 4 species of avocet in the world - the Australian species shown below, the American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana), the Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) and the Andean Avocet (Recurvirostra andina). I suspect that I will have to content myself with only ever seeing the first 3 of these species)
Somewhat unusually (in my experience) these Australian birds were close to the edge of a lagoon at Werribee, rather than being in the middle. However, they did not stay long as they were flushed by a Swamp Harrier. I may have spent the seconds after the passage of the Harrier muttering rude things under my breath. Oh well.
An average adult Red-Necked Avocet measures 43–45 cm from head to tail and has a total wingspan of around 75 cm. The bill is between 8.2–9.5 cm in length.
As ever, to join in with WBW click the link below. Cheers SM
Beautiful water birds. Thank you, Stewart
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThey are such wonderful birds... the word dainty comes to mind when I see them. YAM xx
Beautiful Stewart, a red necked avocet. Sometimes we see here black swans. Greets.
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of water birds..especially Ducks!! Love your pictures..It looks as though some of them are standing on the bottom rather than floating?? Hope all is well..I have no birdies to share!!
ReplyDeleteYes, these are standing in shallow water - but they will also swim. They seem to prefer having a bit of water under them! SM
DeleteWhat a useful beak. You've already seen my bird today. Thanks for visiting!
ReplyDeleteWonderful the Red-Necked Avocet Steward, greeting season's.
ReplyDeleteThat beak is like a burnt carrot stick from my oven. Nature is so amazing.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the beak ever gets in its way? A beauty!
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