Black-necked Stilt
Scientific Name
Class
Order
Range
Habitat
Estimated Wild Population
More Information
Physical Description
Black-necked stilts have black-and-white markings and long pinkish-red legs. They use their long, thin bill to probe the muddy wetland surface for small insects and crustaceans. These shorebirds can swim immediately after hatching but remains dependent on their parents for approximately six weeks. Young black-necked stilts look similar to adults but have paler feathers and legs.
Interesting Fact 1
Black-necked stilts native to South America have a white collar across their upper back that differentiate them from their North American relatives.
Interesting Fact 2
These shorebirds often build nests on small mounds just above water or on floating mats of vegetation.
Interesting Fact 3
Adults protect their nests by producing a loud call or creating a distraction, such as faking an injury.
Species Survival Plan®
We cooperate with other members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage the zoo population of this species through a Species Survival Plan®.
Commitment to Care
Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.
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Animals Depend On People Too
When you ADOPT an animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups.
Wish List
The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.
Take Action With Us
Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.
