There are several varieties of the closely-related large birds called stilts and avocets which are among those with the longest legs in the world. The Creator gave them these long legs to wade in the waters of marshes and swamps and on ocean beaches, while searching for insects, small fish and other underwater food. These birds often nest near each other and get along quite well.
But there are a few differences. For instance, an avocet has three partly-webbed toes and a smaller plain one behind each foot, whereas a stilt’s foot has only three unwebbed toes. Also, the stilt’s 18-inch-long, narrow beak points straight out, and the avocet’s curves upward toward its tip.
An avocet’s body is black and white on top and plain white below, with its head and neck a dull tan. The American black-necked stilt is typical of other family members, with glossy black covering the top of its head, long neck, wings and tail, but otherwise almost entirely white. Its beak is a combination of dark pink and black.
Before nesting, these both follow the usual custom of birds everywhere the male goes through a ritual. The avocet gets the attention of a female sitting on the shore by wading out in the water where he crouches, leaps and dances with his wings spread wide. This seems to impress her, and when he comes ashore they build a nest. The male stilt does much the same thing but adds another feature to his display. He playfully sprays the female with water thrown by his strong wings. She also is impressed, and when he comes ashore they build a nest.
The nests of these two related birds are very similar and are always either on the ground, on bare sand, on mud flats, or occasionally on a grassy spot. Sometimes they are built in the open, but more often under a low bush. Soon three or four eggs appear; the pale-yellow ones of the stilts have speckled dark marks and the olive-colored ones of the avocets have brown and black spots here and there.
It is quite a sight to see several of these birds, each standing on just one leg with the other completely drawn up and hidden under its wing feathers. To look at them you would think a puff of wind would blow them over, or at least make them put the other foot down. However, their foot and leg muscles are strong, and they may stay in that position for long periods of time.
As we consider all the interesting living things throughout the world, let us always remember that they did not just happen to be here. The opening Bible verse clearly informs us that the Lord God is the Creator, and He found pleasure in creating them and watches over them, as He does over us, night and day.
ML-06/21/1992