The family Recurvirostridæ has but two representatives on the Coast. The American avocet breeds from Washington southward and spends its winters from central California south. They are quite plentiful in southern California during the winter months, increasing in numbers in Lower California and Mexico. Its webbed feet and long upward turned bill are features by which it may always be known. It is generally found in flocks and frequents both fresh and salt-waters.
Color—Head and neck, ashy gray; back and under parts, white; the primaries and upper half of the secondaries, black, making the wing about half black; [Pg 127] bill, very slender and curved upward; legs, very long and of a lead color; feet, webbed.
Nest and Eggs—The nest contains three to four eggs of a pale olive, spotted with brown.
Measurements—Total length, about 19 inches; wing, 8, and bill, 3 1/2 inches.
THE BLACK-NECKED STILT
(Himantopus mexicanus)
The black-necked stilt is the other representative of the family. The stilt breeds as far north as eastern Oregon, but is little seen north of southern California in the winter. From there south it is plentiful. It may be easily known by the back of its head and neck, its back being black and the rest of the plumage nearly pure white. Its legs are a dark pink.
Color—Wings, back, back of neck and top of head, black; balance of the plumage, white; legs, dark pink and very long. Toes, three and partly webbed.
Nest and Eggs—The nest is rarely anything but bare ground on which is deposited three to four eggs of a pale brown, spotted with dark brown.
Measurements—Total length, about 15 1/2 inches; wing, 9, and bill 2 3/4 inches.