Stilt, Black-necked

Black-necked Stilt - Himantopus mexicanus

The Black-necked Stilt is black above and white below. It has a long neck and a thin, straight black bill. Its most distinguishing features are the extremely long reddish legs. A full-sized adult bird can stand almost 16 inches high. The female is similar to the male, but has a brownish-black back. In flight, it has black unpatterned wings, which contrast with the white rump, tail, and under parts. Its red legs trail far behind. This bird's habitat is mud flats, grassy marshes, both fresh and brackish ponds, and irrigated or flooded fields. They feed on aquatic insects, crayfish, snails and will occasionally eat a fish or small reptile.