Black-necked Stilt - Ross Feldner

This is one of the most easily recognized birds in America with its long, bright pink legs and striking black and white coloration.

Black-necked Stilts are often found in the same areas as the American Avocet—mainly shallow water in open country, mudflats and marshes, but with a preference for fresh water.

Their diet is mostly insects and crustaceans that live near or on the surface of the water such as flies, beetles, shrimp, crayfish, snails and at times tadpoles and small fish. They find food by picking with their bill or, if standing, they will snatch insects that fly by.

Black-necked Stilts nest in colonies and if a predator approaches several will fly to a distant spot and act out a distraction display. Another tactic they employ is known as the “popcorn display.” A group of stilts will gather around a ground predator hopping, flapping and jumping to drive it away from the nest.