Why in News
Pied avocets keep their annual date with Perumbakkam wetland.
With water at the wetland drying up at the rate of knots, there was a sneaking suspicion it would miss out on its usual fag-end-of-season sights including pied avocets.
Pied avocets – basic details
Scientific Name: Recurvirostra avosetta
Size:
Length: 16.5–17.75 inches (41.9–45.1 cm)
Wingspan: 30–31.5 inches (76–80 cm)
Weight: 8.5-11 oz (240-315 g)
Habitat: Breeds in temperate Europe and across the Palearctic to Central Asia.
Winters in Africa or southern Asia. Prefers shallow saline lakes, lagoons, pools, saltpans, and estuaries with sparse vegetation.
Diet: Mainly aquatic invertebrates like insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. May also consume small fish and plant material.
Description:
Black and white plumage with a bold contrast.
Long, thin, and upturned black bill.
Long, bluish-grey legs.
Males and females look similar.
Juveniles have greyish and sepia tones with less intense black markings.
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