African Wildlife And Environment Issue 73

BIRDING

The Pied AVOCET

Over a hundred years ago, this was a rather wild and not so common bird in South Africa. They frequent both coastal and inland marshes, including salt pans. They usually feed in shallow water on various aquatic animals and worms. The Pied Avocet has a curiously shaped bill which is specially formed for its way of feeding. The foraging bird progresses quickly in shallow water, moving its head and bill from side to side, leaving a zigzag mark in the sand or mud. When the water is deep, they completely immerse the head and neck in search of food.

The late Willie Froneman

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