Avocet, Pied Avocet

Avocets are decorative birds with an upturned beak. You often see them in inland brackish waters as they forage for food. They catch their food by slightly opening their bill and swinging their head from side to side. The avocet is named after its black cap, as was once worn by European advocates. Actually, this species is called the pied avocet, pied referring to the black and white coloring.