THE AVOCET 75 



Outside our limits the Avocet breeds on the 

 southern coasts of the Baltic, on the Frisian Islands 

 and the Dutch coast, as well as in the deltas of the 

 Rhone and the Guadalquivir. Thence we trace it 

 as a breeding species along the valley of the 

 Danube and amongst the lagoons of the Black Sea. 

 Still farther eastwards it is said to be resident in 

 Palestine and Persia, and to breed in various parts 

 of Central Asia, onwards to Dauria and Mongolia. 

 To India and China it is a winter visitor ; whilst 

 in Africa it is more or less a resident throughout 

 the continent, including Madagascar. The Avocet 

 is a migratory bird, hence the impossibility of its 

 ever being introduced into England by man. It 

 arrives in flocks at its summer quarters in Europe 

 during April and May, and quits them in 

 September. Its favourite resorts are low sandy 

 coasts, salt marshes, lagoons, and flat islands. 

 Here it may be seen near the water, or wading in 

 the vshallows, or even swimming across deeper 

 pools. It is not particularly shy, if wary, and will 

 allow itself to be watched walking with graceful 

 steps about the mud, or running over it if need 

 be. A too close approach will cause it to soar into 

 the air, where it flies with its long neck and legs 

 outstretched and its black and white plumage 



