About Recurvirostra andina Philippi & Landbeck, 1861
This species of avocet, Recurvirostra andina, has white colouration on its head, neck, underparts, and rump, with dark brown colouration on its back, wings, and tail. It is similar in overall size to the American avocet, but has a slightly bulkier build. It measures 43–48 cm (17–19 in) in length, and weighs between 315 and 410 g (11.1–14.5 oz), with an average body mass of 361 g (12.7 oz). This average mass makes it likely the heaviest species in the Recurvirostridae family. Its legs are thin and grey, and are shorter than the legs of other avocet species. It has a long, thin, black bill that is upturned at the tip. Male and female individuals have similar appearance, and the plumage of juvenile birds of this species has not been formally described. Its overall colour pattern is similar to that of Himantopus himantopus melanurus, the local subspecies of black-winged stilt, but that subspecies has very long red legs, a white tail, and a straight bill.
