SHOREBIRDS of Europe
Most Shorebirds walk along shores probing for food with their thin sensitive bills. Bill length varies considerably so differing species can work the same shore and obtain different food supplies. Shorebirds include sandpipers, godwits, stilts, oystercatchers, plovers, and many more. Shorebirds belong to the Charadriiformes order which also includes the Gulls and Allies.
Note: the term Shorebirds is used in the Americas; elsewhere "waders" is used. We will reserve "waders" for herons and allies.
Note: the term Shorebirds is used in the Americas; elsewhere "waders" is used. We will reserve "waders" for herons and allies.
Avocets and Stilts
Order Charadriiformes Suborder Charadrii Family Recurvirostridae
Avocets and stilts have very long thin legs and long bills. The stilt bills are straight, while avocet bills are curved upward. Avocets and stilts are aprroximately the same height and often can be found in mixed groups.
Genus Recurvirostra
Avocet, Pied Recurvirostra avosetta Found: Europe, Asia, Africa
Photographed by: 1, 4, 5) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights by: 2, 3, 6) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights
5) Pre mating 6) Comparison between Pied Avocet and Black-necked Stilt
Genus Himantopus
Stilt, Black-winged Himantopus himantopus Found: Europe, Asia, Africa
The Black-winged Stilt is sometimes treated as having subspecies. In this case, the Black-winged Stilt would be identified as Himantopus himantopus himantopus.
The related (sub)species are: Black-necked Stilt, Hawaiian Stilt, Pied Stilt, and White-backed Stilt.
3, 4) Dick Daniels - Tanzania 5) Dick Daniels - Tanzania
1) Female in front, male in rear
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