The American Avocet is described in most bird references as elegant.  They are so unique with their upturned long bill.  The tip of their bill is very sensitive to touch and enables them to find food in mud flats as they swing their bill from side to side.  The American Avocet during non breeding season is black and white with a grayish colored head.  During breeding season the head turns a beautiful rusty color with a black and white body.  This pair of breeding adults seems to be flying in perfect rhythm as they make their way across a shallow pond in Delaware.

The American Avocet is a large slim shorebird with an unusual upturned bill.  I found this particular one in beautiful breeding cinnamon colors at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on the Gulf Coast of Florida. They nest on small islands near the shore line and amazingly after hatching the chicks feed themselves!  They are never fed by their parents but cannot fly until around 28 days!  How do they manage to survive?