American Avocet
- Avocets physically attack predators near the nest including Northern Harriers and Common Ravens.
- American Avocets have been known to parasitize nest of their own species as well as other species. There are also documents cases of other species paracitizing avocets nests, including a Black-necked Stilt which the avocet raised as its own chick.
- Chicks leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching and can walk, swim, and even dive to escape predators.
- Avocets are known to raise their nest up to a foot or more with sticks and other materials in response to flooding. this keeps their eggs above water and saves their nesting attempt.
- American Avocet numbers are threatened by the destruction of the wetlands they use to nest and feed.
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Virginia Rail
- In order to escape from predators, Virginia Rails have the ability to swim underwater. They propel themselves with their wings.
- Virginia Rails build many nests per nesting season but only use one to lay their eggs. The other serve as dummy nests to distract predators.
- Rails have the highest ratio of leg muscles to flight muscles of any bird.
- Virginia Rail's forehead feathers have adapter to resist wear from pushing through dense vegetation in marshes.
- Although not known for their ability to fly, Virginia Rails do migrate long distances each year.
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