The American avocet is a large wader in the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae, found in North America. It spends much of its time foraging in shallow water or on mud flats, often sweeping its bill from side to side in water as it seeks crustacean and insect prey.

This American Avocet was photographed at Sunnyvale, CA on March 16, 2026. View all American Avocet photos →