Volume 34, Plate XXI / Ornithology (Birds)

Avoset

Recurvirostra avosetta

Of remarkable form and more frequent than the stilt, the Avoset breeds in some fenny districts that are fast decreasing, frequenting river banks and estuaries and wading shallow pools without swimming despite its webbed feet. Eighteen inches to the tail, its plumage is a distinct variegation of black and white, with black on the crown, nape, scapulars, and wings, the rest pure white, a black upcurved bill, and bluish-grey legs.