Skip to main content

Black-necked Stilt Identification

Looking for ID Help?

Our free app offers quick ID help with global coverage.

Try Merlin Bird ID

The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A tall but small-bodied shorebird with very long legs, a long neck, small head, and thin, straight bill.

    Relative Size

    Smaller than a Willet, larger than a Lesser Yellowlegs.

    Relative Sizebetween robin and crowbetween robin and crow

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 13.8-15.3 in (35-39 cm)
      • Weight: 5.3-6.2 oz (150-176 g)
      • Wingspan: 28.1-29.7 in (71.5-75.5 cm)

Regional Differences

The Hawaiian subspecies (knudseni), also known as the Aeo, has more black on the neck and less white around the eye than stilts in mainland North America (mexicanus). A subspecies in South America (melanurus), sometimes called the White-backed Stilt, has a white collar across the upper back.