• Skip to Content
  • Skip to Main Navigation
  • Skip to Local Navigation
  • Skip to Search
  • Skip to Sitemap
  • Skip to Footer
Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: RECURVIROSTRIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A striking black-and-white bird with very long, thin red legs, the Black-necked Stilt is found along the edges of shallow water in open country.

Join the Cornell Lab
Subscribe to Living Bird Magazine

Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large shorebird.
  • Black face, hind neck, and back.
  • White throat and underparts.
  • Very long, thin red legs.
  • Long, thin, straight black bill.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but with scalloped pattern on back and a white trailing edge to wing.

Range Map Help

Black-necked Stilt Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

Similar Species

  • American Avocet has reddish or gray head, long gray legs, white in the wings, and an upturned bill.