Nocturnal Behavior of American Avocets in Playa Wetlands on the Southern High Plains of Texas, USA

Nocturnal behavior of 113 American Avocets (Recurvirostra americana) was observed in playa wetlands on the Southern High Plains of Texas, USA, during April and May 2000. Nocturnal time activity budgets consisted primarily of foraging (62%) and resting (20%). Nocturnal time activity budgets were compared to diurnal time activity budgets. Differences in behavior existed between diurnal and nocturnal periods. Greater percentages of time were devoted to foraging and aggression during the night, but less time was spent resting during the night. Time spent in locomotion, maintenance, and alert behavior was comparable among diurnal and nocturnal periods.