Avocets and stilts range in length from 30 to 46 cm (12 to 18 in) and in weight from 140 to 435 g (4.9 to 15.3 oz); males are usually slightly bigger than females.

[1] Avocets and stilts are a cosmopolitan family, being distributed on all the world's continents except Antarctica, and occurring on several oceanic islands.

They defend nesting territories vigorously with aggressive displays, and mob intruders and possible predators with a great deal of noise.

[1] In all species except the banded stilt, the chicks are cared for by the parents for several months, and they may move them to new areas and defend territories there.

[1] Banded stilts deviate from this by collecting their chicks in massive crèches numbering several hundred.