Stikes

A stike is a type of bird, specifically a member of the family Threskiornithidae. This family includes ibises and spoonbills. Stikes are wading birds characterized by their long, slender legs, long necks, and distinctive bills. The shape of the bill varies among species, with some being decurved like an ibis and others flattened and spatulate like a spoonbill.

These birds are found in various habitats, often near water, including wetlands, marshes, estuaries, and coastlines. They typically feed by probing the mud or shallow water with their bills, searching for invertebrates, small fish, amphibians, and sometimes plant matter. Their foraging techniques are adapted to the specific environments they inhabit.

Stikes are often found in flocks, especially during migration or when roosting. They are social birds and their reproductive behavior usually involves nesting in colonies, often in trees, reeds, or on the ground. The plumage of stikes can range from predominantly white to dark or colorful, depending on the species. Many species exhibit iridescent or metallic sheens on their feathers.

The term "stike" is less commonly used than "ibis" or "spoonbill" in general English discourse, with the latter two terms being more specific classifications within the Threskiornithidae family. However, "stike" can sometimes be used as a broader or more regional term for these birds.