Differences between Hawaiian and Black-necked Stilts

Several people have emailed me asking about the differences between the Hawaiian Stilt and the Black-necked Stilt (from part one of this series). The differences are subtle, but they are noticeable. Hawaiian Stilts have more black on their necks. From a distance, it's not obvious, but when you look closely through binocs, it's clear. They also seem to have smaller white patches above their eyes. A few of the birds I saw had almost no white patch. Most consider the Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) a subspecies of the North American Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), while others argue it should be its own species. It breeds only in Hawaii...

Differences between the Hawaiian and Black-necked Stilt

Sketchbook entry of a few of the Hawaiian Stilts I saw on the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk

If you walk the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk, bring your sketchbook. A gazebo about halfway through the boardwalk is the perfect place for sketching. 

Hawaiian Stilt Preening from Kelly Riccetti on Vimeo.

A few more photos of a beautiful Hawaiian Stilt. It's easy to see how much black is on the Hawaiian Stilt's neck...

Hawaiian Stilt feeding in the shallows.

Hawaiian Stilt along the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk on Maui

Hawaiian Stilt

The Hawaiian Stilt is endangered. Introduced species such as cats, rats, and mongooses have taken a toll on its population, and of course, much of the bird's habitat has been lost too. The stilts are breeding successfully at Kealia pond.  For more Hawaiian Stilt photos click here (the first part of this series). For a little more information on the bird, click here.