Black-necked Stilt

photo © David Sarkozi, Houston Texas, 1997

Last updated 3/17/96

A common wetlands bird on the UTC. This very slim, elegant bird is easy to identify. Very long red or pink legs, long slim bill, and a distinctive black and white pattern on the neck and face look like nothing else in North America.

Its a very noisy bird during breeding season. You will hear its "kek kek kek kek" call if there are any around.

They become rare in the winter, but there are a few around. Look for them in artificial impoundments that might be heated like around a factory or power plant.

More common is freshwater I have seen it often in salt marshes. It could show up from wet fields to the beach.

Look for in almost any wetlands in the summer and spring. You will surely see it in Anahuac NWR, Brazoria NWR, Brazos Bend State Park, and San Bernard NWR.

A breeding range map is available form the Breeding Bird Survey
A winter range map is available from the Christmas Bird Count

Back to the Bird Index