- Himantopus novaezelandiae
Identification
40 cm. Black, long-legged stilt.
Adult, black with long, fine, black bill. Very long red legs.
Juvenile, white breast, neck, head. Black patch around eyes. Other plumages varying in amount of black on breast and head.
Similar species
Hybridizes with Pied Stilt (H. leucocephalus); resulting individuals are variable. Compared to pure adults, darker hybrid adults have longer bills, shorter legs. Compared to pure juveniles, hybrid adults have some solid black on breast.
Distribution
Restricted during the breeding season to the upper Waitaki Valley, South Island, New Zealand. Small numbers overwinter in the North Island.
History
The population may have numbered 500-1,000 birds in the 1940s, but in 1999, the total number was 40 (nine females, 28 males and three of unknown gender), a loss of 10 over the previous 18 months. In 2001 the wild breeding population consisted of just 7 pairs, but a maximum of 84 adults were recorded in the wild in August 2002. Sixty dark hybrids are known. The captive population consisted of 25 adults in 2002.
Taxonomy
A monotypic species.
Habitat
It breeds on braided riverbeds, but also occurs in wetlands and swamplands.
Behaviour
Diet
It feeds primarily on insects, but also takes small fish.
Breeding
It lays four eggs and will usually re-nest if the first clutch is lost early in the season. Most breed for the first time at three years of age. The average age is 6.8 years, and at least eight are older than 10 years.
Vocalisation
Voice: Loud, high-pitched, monotonous yapping.
