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Stilts and Avocets: Recurvirostridae

Physical Characteristics, Diet, Behavior And Reproduction, Conservation Status, Black-winged Stilt (himantopus Himantopus): Species AccountsGEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, AVOCETS STILTS AND PEOPLE



BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus): SPECIES ACCOUNTS
AMERICAN AVOCET (Recurvirostra americana): SPECIES ACCOUNTS

Stilts and avocets are found worldwide, on all continents except Antarctica. The largest number of species occupy areas near Australia.


Most stilts and avocets occupy large wetland areas. The ibisbill, however, prefers rocky habitats along slow-moving streams. Avocets, as well as the banded stilt, generally live in saltwater wetlands. Other stilt species use both saltwater and freshwater wetlands. The Andean stilt occurs only close to high altitude saline lakes. Many stilt and avocet species also use man-made areas as habitat, including dams, irrigation sites, and sewer ponds.




There are no significant interactions between most species of stilts and avocets and people. However, humans have appreciated these birds for a long time and are generally enthusiastic about conservation measures to help protect populations.


Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceBirds