Learn 100 Common Valley Birds Blog Post Species #66/100

Few things on earth fill us with as much delight as birds, and knowing them by name only adds to our pleasure. In California’s Central Valley, with only a little bit of effort, anyone can learn 100 local bird species. Especially since on a daily basis Valley Residents come in contact with at least a dozen species that most recognize, but may not know the name of. The intent of this blog is for followers to learn about and be able to identify 100 common valley birds.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

WHAT’S IN A NAME

Black-necked Stilt – Himantopus mexicanus
Name Roots: (Gr. himantopous, [a kind of water bird]; himantos, “stra;”; pous, “foot” – Mexican)

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Black-necked Stilt is an elegant shorebird with exceptionally long, bright pink legs. It has distinctive black-and-white plumage and a thin black bill. The male is glossier black above, while the female is slightly browner.

AN INTERESTING OR UNUSUAL FACT

One of the most unusual facts about Black-necked Stilts is that they use a unique method to cool themselves and their nests in hot climates. They perform a behavior called “belly soaking,” in which they stand in shallow water and lower their bodies until their bellies are submerged. This allows them to absorb water through their feathers and cool down their skin. Another interesting fact is that Black-necked Stilts have the second-longest legs in proportion to their bodies of any bird, after flamingoes.

DISTRIBUTION STATUS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY

The Black-necked Stilt is a Fairly Common Yearround Resident in California’s Central Valley and can be found in Freshwater Wetlands and Flooded Fields.

eBird Bar Charts & Map Grid

Previous Learn 100 Common Valley Birds Posts

• Northern Pintail
• Say’s Phoebe
• Cinnamon Teal
• Phainopepla
• Sandhill Crane