Pied Avocet (Female)
Pied Avocet
Recordings 

Observations, notes, photos

Avocets in Jahra Pools Reserve (Sept. 2012).

Scientific Name 
Recurvirostra avosetta
Arabic Name 
النكات
Kuwaiti name 
إرهيز
Family 
Width 
79.0 cm
Length 
44.0 cm
Least Concern

Information

Uncommon passage migrant but common winter visitor. An elegant and striking black and white bird of muddy coasts that may gather to roost in flocks during high tide; up to 210 recorded in early February 2008.
Where in Kuwait 
Generally found along the coastline, but more predominantly in the north of the country. Occasionally found on inland pools in the Jahra area.
In the world 
It has an extremely large range with a largely stable population. Northern populations migrate south, staging on route in large numbers at certain sites. The species remains gregarious on passage and during the winter, migrating in loose flocks. It usually takes food from exposed mud or from water, using a characteristic foraging technique that involves a sweeping motion of the beak, and it also upends in deep water to reach prey.
Local threats 
Oil pollution and loss of habitat.