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Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)

The Black-necked Stilt's height is composed of about 80% leg, which makes this striking bird well suited for its life of wading in the shallows and scooping up fish and various aquatic bugs. It can be found near the water's edge all along the driving tour (except for the northern and northeastern sections, which don't go through wetlands), and you're likely to be able to spot it from both observation platforms.