Black Stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae)

About Black Stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae)

• Kingdom: Animals
• Phylum: Chordates
• Class: Birds
• Order: Pelicans
• Family: Stilts and Avocets

Breeding now occurs only within the Mackenzie basin, a high plateau in New Zealand's South Island (5). Most nests are on braided riverbeds (where the river separates, exposing parts of the riverbed), but individuals can also be found on the shores of lakes and in wetlands (6). New Zealand black stilts are partially migratory; some birds move to lower coastal sites prior to winter, and some sub-adults winter in the north of the North Island, whilst others remain in the high basin throughout the year (5).
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