Himantopus novaezelandiae
The Black Stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae), known as `kakī` in Māori, is an exquisite and critically endangered shorebird, endemic to New Zealand. Adults are entirely glossy black, presenting a striking contrast with their remarkably long, slender, bright red legs and fine, straight black bill. Measuring 37-40 cm in length with a wingspan of 67-74 cm and weighing 195-220g, its size is modest yet elegant. Juveniles exhibit a mottled appearance with white undersides and brown backs, often disp...
Primarily inhabits high-country braided river systems, ephemeral wetlands, and shingle deltas within the South Island of New Zealand, utilizing both freshwater and brackish margins up to 800m elevation.
Feeds predominantly on aquatic invertebrates, including larval insects, beetles, and worms, supplemented by small fish and occasional terrestrial insects, primarily foraging by sight and probing in shallow water.
Black Stilts are diurnal birds, spending their days actively foraging in shallow waters and roosting on sandbars or in the water during periods of rest. Foraging involves a deliberate, slow walk through water, visually pecking at aquatic prey from the surface or probing the soft substrate with th...
The Black Stilt is endemic to New Zealand, with its breeding stronghold exclusively within the high-country braided river systems of the South Island, particularly concentrated in the Mackenzie Basin and the Canterbury high country. Historically, its range encompassed suitable wetlands across bot...
Critically Endangered
- The Black Stilt, or kakī, is one of the world's rarest shorebirds, with a wild population of often fewer than 100 individuals. - It is entirely endemic to New Zealand, found nowhere else on Earth. - Its legs are among the longest in proportion to body size of any bird, second only to flamingos....