Black-necked Stilt: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Shorebirds · day 7 of 7

Five facts

1. A stilt's two eyes have different jobs: the left watches for predators, rivals and mates, while the right looks for food.
2. Stilt chicks can swim within two hours of hatching, and they are already quick on their feet too.
3. Stilts nest in loose groups, and neighbouring pairs patrol together to guard a wide area around all their nests.
4. It walks on very long pink legs. In the breeding season, males get a greenish shine on their black back and wings.
5. In the US, stilts have used salt-making ponds more and more since 1960. These may now be their main winter home.

The quiz

1. What does a stilt mainly use its right eye for?

• Spotting predators
• Finding food (correct)
• Watching the sky for rain
• Recognising its mate

The right eye locates prey, while the left watches for predators and mates.

2. How soon after hatching can stilt chicks swim?

• After two months
• After one year
• Within two hours (correct)
• After two weeks

Chicks have been seen swimming within two hours of hatching.

3. How do neighbouring stilt pairs protect their nests?

• They patrol together around the group of nests (correct)
• They hide nests inside reeds
• They build nests on floating logs
• They cover eggs with mud

Pairs defend a wide area around their nests together with neighbours.

4. What colour are a black-necked stilt's long legs?

• Black
• Yellow
• Blue-grey
• Pink (correct)

It has long pink legs.

5. Which human-made places may now be the stilt's main winter home in the US?

• Golf courses
• Salt-making ponds (correct)
• City parks
• Rice warehouses

Use of salt ponds has risen since 1960, and they may now be the main wintering habitat.

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