Avoceta Americana vs Reyezuelo Rubí

The American Avocet is a large shorebird with long bluish-gray legs and a distinctive recurved bill, while the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a small songbird with a concealed scarlet crown patch. The Avocet's striking black-and-white chevron pattern contrasts with the Kinglet's olive green-gray upperparts and white wing-bars.

Look for size and habitat: Avocets are large and found in wetlands; Kinglets are small and often in forests. Check plumage: Avocets have a chevron pattern and cinnamon neck in spring; Kinglets have white wing-bars and a hidden crown patch.

The American Avocet is significantly larger than the Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

The American Avocet has a black-and-white chevron pattern on its back and wings, with a grayish-white head and neck that turns cinnamon in spring. The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is olive green-gray with two white wing-bars and a broken white eye-ring; males have a hidden scarlet crown patch.

The American Avocet engages in elaborate displays during breeding, while the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is noted for its constant wing-flicking.

American Avocets are found in shallow alkaline wetlands, while Ruby-crowned Kinglets occupy a variety of habitats during migration and winter, breeding in spruce-fir forests.