Recurvirostra andina Philippi & Landbeck, 1861

Coloration

This species of avocet, Recurvirostra andina, has white colouration on its head, neck, underparts, and rump, with dark brown colouration on its back, wings, and tail.

Size and Build

It is similar in overall size to the American avocet, but has a slightly bulkier build. It measures 43–48 cm (17–19 in) in length, and weighs between 315 and 410 g (11.1–14.5 oz), with an average body mass of 361 g (12.7 oz).

Family Mass Ranking

This average mass makes it likely the heaviest species in the Recurvirostridae family.

Leg Characteristics

Its legs are thin and grey, and are shorter than the legs of other avocet species.

Bill Characteristics

It has a long, thin, black bill that is upturned at the tip.

Sexual Dimorphism and Juvenile Plumage

Male and female individuals have similar appearance, and the plumage of juvenile birds of this species has not been formally described.

Similarity to Black-winged Stilt Subspecies

Its overall colour pattern is similar to that of Himantopus himantopus melanurus, the local subspecies of black-winged stilt, but that subspecies has very long red legs, a white tail, and a straight bill.