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Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) Description: The Black-necked Stilt is a medium-sized shorebird with a black needle-like bill, black or dark brown upperparts, and a white breast. They have long, thin red legs, and a long neck. Calls: A sharp yipping. Given continuously when disturbed. Listen to calls of this species » Range / Habitat: Black-necked Stilts are found on the margins of shallow inland lakes and ponds. They also also use wetlands with more emergent vegetation such as flooded fields. Black-necked Stilts may visit coastal mud flats during migration. Diet: Black-necked Stilts most often consume aquatic invertebrates. They also eat small fish, tadpoles, and seeds of aquatic plants. Behavior: Black-necked Stilts are gregarious birds. They roost in small groups, but spread out while foraging. Black-necked Stilt adults will participate jointly in anti-predator displays. The anti-predator display called 'the popcorn display' consists of a group of adults circling around a ground predator and hopping side to side while flapping their wings. Black-necked Stilts often call loudly and incessantly when agitated by an animal in their territory.
The female typically lays four eggs. Both parents incubate and care for young. Pairs normally have one brood per season. The precocial (fully feathered) chicks are able to leave the nest within 1-2 hours of hatching. Family groups still remain together after the young can fly.
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Black-necked Stilt More information: BirdWeb: Black-necked Stilt
All About Birds: Black-necked Stilt
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