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The Black Stilt or Kakī (Maori) Himantopus novaezelandiae is a large wader in the avocet and stilt family Recurvirostridae. The species is endemic to New Zealand. They have very long red legs, a long thin black bill and black plumage. Juveniles have a white breast, neck and head, with a black patch around the eyes.

Despite 20 years of intensive protection, this species remains the rarest wading bird in the world. Intensive management of kaki began in 1981, when the population had declined to just 23 adult birds. The current wild population is estimated at 85 adult birds (February 2010). There is a captive population of some 13 adults. Annual release in the wild of captive-bred birds, and predator control have probably prevented kaki from becoming extinct in the wild. During the breeding season, it is restricted to the Mackenzie basin in the South Island. The majority of kaki will also overwinter in the Mackenzie basin, unlike other waders in the region that migrate to warmer climates for winter.

These photos were taken at the Kaki/Black Stilt Visitor Hide in Twizel, NZ.

Videos are available in the MOVIES folder.

Black Stilt

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Black Stilt Enclosures B 7199