SHOREBIRDS of South America
Most Shorebirds walk along shores probing for food with their thin sensitive bills. Bill length varies considerably so differing species can work the same shore and obtain different food supplies. Shorebirds include sandpipers, godwits, stilts, oystercatchers, plovers, and many more. Shorebirds belong to the Charadriiformes order which also includes the Gulls and Allies.
Note: the term Shorebirds is used in the Americas; elsewhere "waders" is used. We will reserve "waders" for herons and allies.
Note: the term Shorebirds is used in the Americas; elsewhere "waders" is used. We will reserve "waders" for herons and allies.
Avocets and Stilts
Order Charadriiformes Suborder Charadrii Family Recurvirostridae
Avocets and stilts have very long thin legs and long bills. The stilt bills are straight, while avocet bills are curved upward. Avocets and stilts are aprroximately the same height and often can be found in mixed groups.
Genus Himantopus
Stilt, Black-necked Himantopus mexicanus Found: The Americas
The Black-necked Stilt is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the Black-winged Stilt. In this case it would be identified as Himantopus himantopus mexicanus.
4) Dick - Sylvan Heights 5) Dick - Sylvan Heights 6) Sandy Cole - Sylvan Heights
1) Juvenile
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