Specie's Page                                               Pied Avocet - Small Waders

Pied Advocet:

UK Status: Resident.

Habitat: This bird is the emblem of the RSPB, once extinct in the UK, but has since made a remarkable come back. First re-appearing in the nineteen forties, there are now nearly 2000 breeding pairs in the UK. It is to be found on coastal pools and lagoons, and also on the River Exe estuary during winter. During World War 2 the beaches were closed off and mined, to repel a possible German invasion. This gave the birds chance to re-colonise these areas.

Breeding: This bird nests in a scrape on the ground, often on bare ground, and sometimes lined with pieces of vegetation. Avocets lay three to four eggs between April and June, and take about twenty five days to hatch them.

Comment: During the breeding season they can be seen along the east coast. During winter they can also be seen on parts of the south west coast. This bird feeds on small aquatic creatures such as worms, crustaceans and insects.

BE AWARE PLEASE:  Ground nesting birds are very vulnerable to having their eggs and chicks smashed or crushed. This can happen when people are unaware of their presence, or when dogs are allowed to run loose during the breeding season. Nests are very well hidden, and are not usually spotted until it's to late. Dogs often have no concern for ground nesting birds, please keep them on their leads from April through to the end of September.