Himantopus mexicanus
Black-necked Stilts stride daintily around wetlands on their long, gangly legs. Although they are very vocal in the Rocky Mountains, Black-necked Stilts rarely nest here; they typically breed on either side of the mountain ranges near prairie wetlands. Whether it is along a smelly sewage lagoon or an alkaline pond, the Stilt's dignity adds a sense of subtle glory to the landscape. It is rather odd that one of North America's most beautiful birds associates with such bleak and dreary environments. In the battle for the title of most beautiful North American shorebird, it is quite convenient that Black-necked Stilts and American Avocets can often be observed beside one another. With proportionately the longest legs of any North American bird, this shorebird deserves the name 'stilt.' |
I.D.: Sexes similar: very long, orange legs; dark upperparts; clean white underparts; long, straight, needle-like bill; small, white eyebrow; male is blacker above than the female. Size: L 14-15 in. (36-38 cm). Range: rare spring and fall migrant in the southern Rockies; local breeder in the Montana and Idaho Rockies. Habitat: breeds along marshy lakes and ponds; forages lake edges and exposed mudflats. Nesting: typically on the Great Plains and Great Basin; in a shallow depression on the ground; often in dense colonies near alkaline or open shorelines; nest is sparsely lined with vegetation; pair incubates the eggs for about 25 days. Feeding: picks prey from the water's surface or from the bottom in brackish ponds and alkaline lakes; primarily eats small flies and other aquatic invertebrates; rarely eats seeds. Voice: not vocal during migration; loud, sharp yip-yip-yip-yip in summer; kek-kek-kek-kek in flight. Similar Species: American Avocet: upturned bill; lacks the black on the head. |
