Watercolor portrait of Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus
Common Territorial display song

Learn to identify the Black-necked Stilt by ear. Master the "kip-kip-kip-kip…" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“kip-kip-kip-kip…”

What the Black-necked Stilt sounds like

Slender, black-and-white shorebird instantly recognizable by its extremely long pink legs and needle-thin bill. Often seen gracefully picking prey from the surface of shallow water or wading belly-deep while constantly calling to companions.

“kip-kip-kip-kip…”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Rapid series of high, piping notes given during aerial displays over breeding territory. Often written as “kip-kip-kip-kip…”.
Don't confuse with:The American Avocet — upturned, slender bill

Where you'll hear it

Year-round along Pacific and Gulf coasts of the United States south through Mexico, the Caribbean, and much of Central & South America; summer breeder across interior western and southern United States and Baja; scarce visitor farther north.

Shallow freshwater and alkaline wetlands, salt ponds, flooded agricultural fields, sewage lagoons, mangrove lagoons, and tidal mudflats.

Breeds mainly April–August in loose colonies; post-breeding flocks gather late summer; northern birds migrate southward September–October and return March–May; coastal populations often remain all year.

Similar species

American Avocet

Upturned, slender bill

Black-bellied Plover

Shorter, thicker bill

Greater Yellowlegs

Yellow not pink legs

Black-necked Stilt song FAQ

What does a Black-necked Stilt sound like?
Rapid series of high, piping notes given during aerial displays over breeding territory. Listen for the "kip-kip-kip-kip…" phrase.
How do I tell a Black-necked Stilt from a American Avocet by sound?
American Avocet: Upturned, slender bill; Rust-colored head and neck in breeding plumage; More white on back and wings; Bluish-gray rather than pink legs.
When is the best time to hear a Black-necked Stilt?
Breeds mainly April–August in loose colonies; post-breeding flocks gather late summer; northern birds migrate southward September–October and return March–May; coastal populations often remain all year.