Recurvirostra avosetta
Silhouette: Alexandre Vong · PhyloPic
In 3 days ~60% in a week ~90%
The pied avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) is a species of wader in the Recurvirostridae family, the only member of the avocet genus Recurvirostra found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. This characteristic wader of coastal lagoons and marshes is easily recognisable by its long, upturned bill, long legs, and striking black-and-white plumage. Measuring approximately 40 cm (16 in) in length with a wingspan of about 70 cm (28 in), it is a relatively large species that feeds on various invertebrates in water and mudflats, captured using its distinctive bill. It typically nests in colonies of 10 to 70 pairs on islets or dikes near water, laying usually four eggs in a simple, shallow scrape in the sand. It is highly territorial when defending its chicks against conspecifics, or predators such as various raptors, corvids, and mammals. The pied avocet has a lifespan of about 20 years, with a record of 36 years.
The species has a wide distribution, spanning western Europe, central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa. Part of its population is migratory, undertaking long journeys south to its wintering grounds, while others are resident. In France, it is found along the English Channel, Atlantic coast, and Mediterranean, with northern populations joining in winter, while some individuals winter in Southern Europe or Africa.
Described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, the pied avocet is one of four species in its genus, the others inhabiting different continents. Classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN due to its extensive range and relatively large population, it nonetheless faces threats from anthropogenic factors such as habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution. Numerous scientific programs aim to better understand its biology, particularly its migratory routes, to enhance its protection. Wikipedia →
Possible
About 30% of wildlife watchers report a Pied Avocet sighting in Kiskunság National Park on a given day, based on 289 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data from 2019 to 2026. It is the 61st most-seen of the 222 birds we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to about 60%, and over a week to about 90%, if each day is a fresh chance.
April and July
In those months about 50% of wildlife watchers report a Pied Avocet in Kiskunság National Park on a given day, against under 5% in November, the lowest month.
Between 10 am and 1 pm
Across all the parks we cover, that three-hour window holds the most Pied Avocet sightings with a recorded time, and about 9 in 10 of them come between 6 am and 6 pm: it is a daytime animal.
5th of 35
Of the 35 parks where we can rate Pied Avocet sightings, Kiskunság National Park ranks 5th at about 30%. The best odds are in Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya, about 40%), Doñana National Park (Spain, about 40%) and Amboseli National Park (Kenya, about 40%).
GBIF citizen-science records
It is estimated from how often the Pied Avocet is recorded against all the birds logged in Kiskunság National Park (289 verified sightings from 2019 to 2026), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.
