BOTW 9/27-10/1

Hello Everybirdperson,

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This week’s bird is the: Black-necked Stilt

1) This isn’t a Black Stilt ( a critically endangered species endemic to New Zealand) or a Black-winged Stilt (a common bird found across Eurasia). Don’t get them confused. They are each their own birds, and they will correct you if you get it wrong.

2) The Black-necked Stilt is arguably the most “elegant” of the stilts, with long pink legs and a white eyespot. They are easily recognizable from other boring brown shorebirds.

3) These birds can be found on both coasts, but are most common in southern latitudes. They are much more common in Mexico and South America.

4) One endangered subspecies, the Hawaiian Stilt exists in, you guessed it, Hawaii. At one time there were only 200 individuals left in the population due to extensive hunting. Luckily, the population is now over 1000.

5) Remember the American Avocet from a few weeks ago? This bird sometimes eats in a similar way - using its bill as a scythe to snatch up prey - so cool!

Have a wonderful week!