Steltlopers

Steltlopers, in Dutch ornithology, refers to a group of wading birds in the family Recurvirostridae known in English as stilts. The term typically describes stilts, particularly those in the genus Himantopus, such as the Black-winged Stilt, though the family also includes avocets in the genus Recurvirostra. In many contexts the two groups are distinguished, with stilts being the longer-legged, straight-billed forms.

Stilt species are characterized by very long legs and long, thin bills. They are usually found in shallow wetlands, mudflats, and coastal habitats where they probe the mud or shallow water for invertebrates, small crustaceans, and insects. Foraging generally involves steady movement through water or along shorelines, with the bill swept downward to feel for prey or to probe discreetly.

Steltlopers have a wide geographic distribution, occurring on all continents except Antarctica. Some species are migratory, breeding in temperate zones and wintering in tropical or subtropical regions. Breeding typically involves ground nests or simple scrapes lined with vegetation, with clutches of a few eggs. Both parents may tend the nest and feed the young.

Conservation status varies by species and region. While some stilts are abundant in protected wetlands, others face habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance at breeding or foraging sites. Protection of wetlands and careful management of coastal and inland water bodies are important for maintaining populations.