White-backed Stilts (Himantopus melanurus) are sometimes referred to as South American Stilts.
Description
The plumage of the White-backed Stilt is overall black and white, with the upperparts being mostly black, except for the white collar and the hindneck and hindcrown being also black. The rest of the head, as well as the underparts, is white. This stilt has long pink legs and a long and slender black bill.
Identification
Can easily be mistaken with the Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus).
They can be separated by the amount of black and/or white in the head (White-backed has less black and more white, while Black-necked has more black and less white) or by the white collar (typically present in White-backed). Black-necked Stilt is restricted to northern and north-western South America, but there may be overlap areas.
Distribution and Habitat:
The White-backed Stilt occurs from far southern Peru and central and north-eastern Brazil south to central Argentina. They are found on lakes, marshlands, river and sea shores, mangroves, wetlands etc. Their habitat naturally is always related to water.
White-backed Stilts are found in a variety of wetland environments in Australia, New Guinea and the nearby Pacific islands. These birds are often seen in Australia’s coastal and inland wetland habitats. They can be found in salt marshes and lagoons as well as estuaries and shallow lakes. These birds also live in rivers, ponds and floodplains. They are most common in areas with shallow water and abundance. This species is very adaptable, and can survive in both freshwater and saline environments.
They prefer habitats that have open, shallow water where they can forage on invertebrates or small fish. These stilts are often seen near the edge of wetlands wading through shallow water or walking in the mud. The White-backed Stilts prefer areas with sparse foliage, as it allows them to see predators at a distance.
During migrations or droughts, the White-backed Stilt can expand its range by including temporary wetlands and floodplains which have been recently inundated. This ability to adapt allows the species take advantage of changes in environmental conditions, and to ensure that they have access suitable nesting and feeding areas.
Diet / Feeding:
They feed on insects, crustaceans and other small invertebrates in the sand or in the water with their slender bill.
White-backed stilts eat primarily small invertebrates, and aquatic organisms. They are opportunistic eaters and will take advantage of any food source available in their habitat. These birds forage in shallow water, using their long and slender legs, to find food in the mud, or at the edge of the water. Their straight, sharp bills are ideal for probing the mud or sand to find insects, crustaceans, fish, and small mollusks.
The White-backed Stilts feed in a distinctive way, by moving their heads quickly from side to side and probing water or mud. Their long legs and their foraging behaviour allow them to cover a large area of shallow water when searching for food. Foraging in groups is also common. Large flocks of birds can be seen in wetlands feeding in harmony, searching for food.
The White-backed Stallion will also eat seeds and aquatic vegetation when they are available. The birds’ diet is dominated by insects and small fish, but they are very flexible and will eat anything that looks good.
Breeding & Reproduction:
The White-backed Stitt’s breeding season is usually during the warm months from late spring through early summer. However, this can change depending on water availability. The White-backed Stilt is monogamous and will build its nest with a partner. Nests are shallow depressions in the ground that are often near water. They’re lined with grasses and reeds. According to RSPB, this species is well documented.
The eggs are camouflaged and usually laid by the female to blend into their surroundings. Both parents incubate the eggs, which are light or pale brown with dark markings. They are incubated for 24 to 28 day. The male and female alternate keeping the eggs warm. One bird sits on the nest, while the other searches for food. According to Audubon Society, this species is well documented.
The chicks can walk and swim immediately after hatching. Parents continue to feed and care for the chicks, protecting them for several weeks. They eat insects and other small invertebrates. Young stilts are able to fly at 4 or 5 weeks old. After fledging the young birds stay with their parents until they are fully independent.
The White-backed Stilts breed only once per year. However, they will attempt to breed more often in areas with favorable conditions and abundant resources. Water levels can influence the success of their breeding attempts, since they depend on stable habitats in wetlands for nesting and eating.
6. Conservation Status
White-backed Stilts are currently classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as species of “Least concern”. The species is widespread and abundant in its native range. This includes Australia and the surrounding islands. Like many other wetland birds, the White-backed Stilt is threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and pollution.
Human activities such as agriculture and urbanization are putting increasing pressure on wetlands habitats. Water level changes, particularly in inland wetlands can have a major impact on the White-backed Stilt’s ability to find suitable nesting areas and food sources. Drainage of wetlands to be used for agriculture or construction of dams may lead to the loss critical breeding and feeding areas.
The White-backed Stilt has a stable population in the majority of its range despite these challenges. To ensure the survival of this beautiful wader bird, conservation efforts will be needed to protect wetlands habitats, reduce pollutants, and minimize the effects of climate change.
Conclusion
White-backed Stilts are a fascinating wader species that has a striking appearance and elegant movements. They play an important part in the ecosystems of wetlands. The bird’s social behavior, long legs and sharp bill make it an interesting bird to watch. Its adaptability to various wetland environments allows it to thrive. The species is not in danger of extinction at the moment, but ongoing conservation efforts are crucial to maintain healthy populations of White Back Stilts.
The White-backed Stilt should be on the radar of birdwatchers, as well as nature lovers. This elegant bird is sure to leave an impression, whether you see it in a coastal wetland or salt marsh.
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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