AVITOPIA - Stilts and Avocets

The family of Stilts and Avocets is widespread worldwide; the northern populations are migratory birds. The body length is 30 cm to 50 cm. They have very long legs and a thin beak that is straight or curved upwards. They fly well and can swim well. They search the mud in shallow waters for invertebrates. They nest in colonies, the nest-fleeing young birds are looked after by both parents. The defense of the offspring includes various distraction techniques from simulating a 'broken wing' to 'false brooding' in full view of a predator.