The Incredibly Long-legged Black-necked Stilt

The Black-necked Stilt is one of the more easily recognized birds in North America.   With its shiny black wings and back opposed by the whites of the breast and underparts and its long, bright red legs it is unlikely to be confused with any other species within its range.

 

black necked stilt 5026 ron dudley

 1/1000, f/11, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light

But in my experience most observers are unfamiliar with the differences between males and females.  Though the sexes are similar it’s relatively easy to tell them apart when they’re in breeding plumage.  The back and scapulars of the male are a solid, shiny black while the female has a noticeable brown tone in those areas.  The legs of the female are also shorter than those of the male.

 

 

black necked stilt 1094 ron dudley

  1/1250, f/8, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light

The iris of both sexes is red though it is more brightly colored in the male.  Here the pupil is dilated to a relatively large size so the colored iris doesn’t take up much of the eye.  I’ve found that in photos it can be difficult to get the eye color to show so it often appears solid black.

 

 

black necked stilt 2610 ron dudley

  1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light

But perhaps the most unique feature of the Black-necked Stilt is those incredibly long, ruby-red legs.  Their legs are longer in proportion to their bodies than any other bird except flamingos, accounting for one of their common names – daddy longlegs.  Stilts have partially webbed feet and they can swim, though they rarely do.

It won’t be long before these birds return to Utah.  With the forecast of more snow for the next four days I can hardly wait.

Ron

16 Comments

  1. I’ve seen bloggers from Spain posting this same Long-legged Black-necked Stilt.

  2. Looks like a kung fu kick! Nice series Ron!

  3. Great photographs! I love these birds too much. Did you know I have a thing for those of the wetlands? Love this post Ron. You always impress.

  4. I love those Stilts. They are so dainty and delicate. Their legs are like straws and look like they could break at any instant.

  5. Another bird I’ve been chasing but not “catching”! Great images and interesting information.

  6. The third photo is extraordinary – what an amazing shot! I love your photography.

  7. The last pic seems to portray a dance move, and I love the portrait. Thanks!

  8. Ron, we don’t have these in Virginia that I know of (just looked it up). What a bird! The first shot very clearly shows the plumage coloring difference between male and female– is it that easy to spot from farther away? And “Angelina Ballerina” (Or Rudolf Nureyev, as the case may be)– is that a common gesture that they make? I have not seen an egret or heron do that one. Thanks!

    • Chris, those color differences are more difficult to notice at greater distances but it’s still usually fairly evident if you know what to look for. Stilts stretch as often as most birds but this particular posture is one I haven’t often seen.

  9. I shoot with the same lens as you do but what I have noticed by reviewing your work is the high shutter speed you use. I understand why you need the shutter speeds for your in flight photos but I must be missing the boat on the others. Are you using shutter or ap priority? I’m very impressed with your work and thank you for sharing. As an amateur it get a lot of information by seeing what the pro’s are doing.

    • Mike, There’s no question that I often use higher shutter speeds than most folks. It’s a deliberate decision (the SS of these shots is actually preetty slow for me). I love photographing behaviors and most of them occur at fast speeds and unexpectedly. So when I’m on a bird that gives me some time with it I’ll typically shoot a few shots at slower speeds and then crank it up for the behavior that may or may not come. Just my style I guess but overall I’ve been happy with the results. I use aperture priority.

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