What does the Black-necked Stilt eat?

The Black-necked Stilt's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore (primarily aquatic invertebrates and small fish)

How it forages

Forages by wading in shallow water, often sweeping its bill side-to-side or probing the mud for aquatic insects (beetles, flies, dragonflies), crustaceans, small fish, tadpoles, and occasionally seeds. They use their long legs to wade in deeper water than many other shorebirds.

When it feeds

Diurnal, actively foraging during daylight hours.

Explore the Black-necked Stilt