Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a relatively large geographic range size (extent of occurrence >1,300,000 km2), and so does not approach the thresholds for consideration as threatened under range size criteria. Based on large-scale surveys of high Andean wetland, a high-quality estimate of its maximum population size is 7,750 individuals (Lesterhuis et al. in prep), equating to approximately 5,150 mature individuals. Despite its small population size, there is no evidence of declines or threats to this species, and its population trend is probably stable. Suitable habitat remains fairly extensive, and it is not known to suffer serious hunting pressure (Pierce and Kirwan 2020). For these reasons, the species continues to be assessed as Least Concern.
Population justification
Boyle and Estrada (2005) estimated the global population to be less than 10,000 birds. In a more recent and detailed appraisal combining published estimates, eBird data and national census data, Lesterhuis et al. (in prep.) estimated a maximum of 7,750 individuals, not all of which would have been mature, breeding birds. To account for uncertainty, the global population is placed in the band 2,500-9,999 mature individuals, with a best estimate of c.5,000 assuming approximately 2/3 of the population estimated by Lesterhuis et al. (in prep.) are mature.
Trend justification
Despite its small population size, there is no evidence of declines or substantial threats to this species, and its population trend is probably stable. Suitable habitat remains fairly extensive, and it is not known to suffer serious hunting pressure (Pierce and Kirwan 2020).
The avocet ranges from Central Peru (Junín) southward through Western Bolivia to Northern Chile (Atacama) and Northwest Argentina (Catamarca) (Pierce and Kirwan 2020).
Wetlands in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Chile are vital ecosystems facing threats from human activities such as agriculture, mining, and urban development (Aris 2017, Marconi et al. 2022). These pressures lead to habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and disrupted water cycles, affecting both local wildlife and communities. The degradation of wetlands results in decreased water quality, altered hydrological cycles, and loss of critical habitat. The potential loss of habitat due to the desiccation of Lake Poopó in western central Bolivia is a concern, however the species' persists in small pools along dried-up margins (Pierce and Kirwan 2020). Climate change poses a potential threat to the species, with models projecting a decrease in mean annual rainfall in the Central Andes region (Otto and Gibbons 2017). Overall, suitable habitat remains fairly extensive and the species is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats. It is not known to suffer serious hunting pressure (Pierce and Kirwan 2020).
43–48 cm in length and weighing 315–410 g, this avocet is characterised by its compact, heavy-bodied build with relatively short legs compared to other members of its family. Its plumage is stilt-like, yet it features the distinctive avocet bill. Unlike other avocets, it stands out with an orange iris and yellow eyering, complemented by a white head, neck, upper mantle, rump, and underparts that can sometimes be stained ferruginous below. The remaining mantle and wings are blackish to very dark brown, while its bill is black and legs are long and blue-grey. There are no known sexual differences in plumage, and juveniles initially display inconspicuous rusty feather edges on their upperparts which wear off over time (Pierce and Kirwan 2020).
Text account compilers
Berryman, A., Chad, E.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Andean Avocet Recurvirostra andina. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/andean-avocet-recurvirostra-andina on 23/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/12/2024.