Black-necked Stilt – South Padre Island, TX

The Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) glides through shallow water at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. Its long pink legs and sharp bill create a striking coastal silhouette. This species prefers calm wetlands, where it feeds on small aquatic insects. The reflective water often doubles its elegant form, creating stunning viewing moments. Birders visiting this location often include it among unforgettable coastal sightings worldwide. A cool fact is that stilts have some of the longest legs relative to body size of any bird. These long legs allow them to forage in deeper water than most shorebirds.