The American Avocet is a graceful and elegant wading bird. It is shown here its breeding colours: reddish head, neck and breast. During non-breeding times, these parts turn white with a grayish head. Both sexes have similar plumage but the female has a shorter and more curved bill.

As it walks through the muddy flats, the American Avocet sweeps its long, upturned bill from side to side. This way it can effectively catch small crustaceans and insects in the water.