Black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)

It is a characteristic, elegant wader bird, with very long legs, an upright posture and a well-proportioned beak. In flight, it reveals its long, pointed wings, which are black on both sides.

Habitat:

Grassy swamps, salt marshes, ponds and shallow lakes (freshwater and alkaline) and in very open fields, especially where there is a lot of swampy vegetation. Everything about the black-necked stilt seems to be delicate: from its incredible slender stilt legs to its slender wings and needle-shaped beak; it still manages to survive on plains where the sun burns around shallow lakes, some of them located in scorching climates.

Diet:

It searches for much of its food with its eyes, scooping it up from the water surface or mud with its beak, and can detect items underwater and dip its head to catch them. When it is standing up, it may catch a flying insect. It feeds primarily on insects and crustaceans, particularly on very small creatures that live on or near the surface of the water, including many flies, beetles, and other insects, as well as shrimp, crayfish, snails, and sometimes tadpoles or little fishes. It also feeds on some seeds or aquatic plants. In some western lakes, it can feed heavily on brine shrimp and shore flies.

Migratory bird with the highest probability of sighting during winter and spring.

Location:

Fresh water reservoirs and lagoons.