Feeding methods of stilts (Himantopus spp.)

Abstract

The feeding methods used by stilts (Himantopus spp.) include four visual and five nonvisual modes. H. novaezealandiae and H. h. leu- cocephalus in New Zealand use all nine methods, H. h. leucocephalus in Australia seven, and H. h. himantopus in India six. Previously undescribed for Himantopus are the non-visual methods of lateral probing and raking used mainly by H. novaezealandiae in shinglebed rivers, and filtering, which is used by at least three taxa. Scything; a feeding method characteristic of avocets (Recurvirostra), is commonly used by New Zealand stilts. Stilts also readily switch between feeding methods according to changes in the behaviour or availability of their prey. Choice of food is not always energetically optimal. © 1985 Crown copyright.