Black-necked stilt
Himantopus mexicanus
Identification Tips:
- Large, very long-legged shorebird
- Long, very thin black bill
- Pink legs
- Juvenile similar to adult female
- Legs extend well beyond tail in flight
Adult male:
- White spot above eye in dark cap
- Black cap, hindneck, nape, back, underwings and upperwings
- White tail and rump
- White forehead, lores, chin, throat, breast and belly
Adult female:
- Similar to adult male, but has a brownish-black back
Juvenile:
- Similar to adult female, but brownish back feathers have broad pale
brown edges
Similar species:
American Avocet, also has long thin bill and legs, but is larger,
and has white on back, dark legs, and rusty or gray head and neck.