diff --git a/src/wp-includes/link-template.php b/src/wp-includes/link-template.php
index b679cd1cfc..ae1224bd52 100644
--- a/src/wp-includes/link-template.php
+++ b/src/wp-includes/link-template.php
@@ -3413,7 +3413,7 @@ function get_avatar_data( $id_or_email, $args = null ) {
 	}
 
 	if ( empty( $args['default'] ) ) {
-		$args['default'] = 'mystery';
+		$args['default'] = get_option( 'avatar_default', 'mystery' );
 	}
 
 	switch ( $args['default'] ) {