Himantopus novaezelandiae
Range
They are found only in New Zealand. They are very endangered and are found only in South Canterbury.
Habitat
They live in wetlands and along rivers and lakes.
Body Traits
They are all black with long, red legs. They have a long, black bill.
Habits
They wade out into the water to feed on the bottom. They are preyed on by rats, weasels (stoats) and cats, which were introduced to New Zealand. They are very endangered.
Diet
They eat small fish, squid and clams and water bugs.
Reproduction
They nest alone near the water. They mate for life (monogamous). Both male and female warm the eggs (incubate) and defend the nest from predators. The eggs and the hatching chicks blend in well with their habitat.
Classification
Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Recurvirostridae
Genus: Himantopus
Species: H. novaezelandiae