The black-necked stilt is a locally abundant shorebird of North and South American wetlands and coastlines. It is found from the coastal areas of California through much of the interior western United States and along the Gulf of Mexico as far east as Florida, then south through Central America and the Caribbean to Brazil, Peru and the Galápagos Islands, with an isolated population, the Hawaiian stilt, in Hawaii. The northernmost populations, particularly those from inland, are migratory, wintering from the extreme south of the United States to southern Mexico, rarely as far south as Costa Rica; on the Baja California peninsula it is only found regularly in winter. Some authorities, including the IUCN, treat it as a synonym of Himantopus himantopus.
Region
Americas
Typical Environment
Occurs from the western and southern United States and the Gulf Coast east to Florida, through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and into parts of South America including Brazil and Peru; also present on the Galápagos and in Hawaii (Hawaiian stilt). Favors shallow freshwater and saline wetlands, including marshes, flooded fields, salt pans, mangrove lagoons, and sewage or evaporation ponds. Breeds where seasonal water levels expose extensive mudflats and shallow edges. Northern inland breeders typically winter farther south, whereas many coastal and tropical populations are resident.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-necked stilt is a striking, long-legged shorebird of shallow wetlands, salt ponds, and mudflats across the Americas. Northern inland populations migrate south for winter, while many coastal and tropical groups are resident year-round. Its loud, sharp calls and bold distraction displays make it highly noticeable near nesting sites. Some authorities lump it with the cosmopolitan black-winged stilt complex, while others treat the Hawaiian form as a distinct species.
Black-necked stilt in the Rio Grande in Las Cruces, New Mexico
Flying in California, USA
Black-necked stilts foraging on Richardson Bay mudflats
Black-necked stilt eggs Quintana, Texas
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms loose colonies or aggregations around productive wetlands. Nests on open ground near water in a shallow scrape lined with plant material; both sexes incubate and defend the site. Performs conspicuous distraction and alarm displays when predators or humans approach.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal and noisy, giving sharp, repeated keek or yip calls, especially when alarmed. Calls carry over open water and are used to coordinate with mates and warn intruders.
