What do stilt birds eat?

Stilt birds are a diverse group of wading birds that are characterised by their long, thin legs. There are around 90 different species of stilt birds, and they occur on all continents except for Antarctica. Stilt birds typically live in shallow water, where they use their long legs to wade through the mud or sand and catch fish, insects, and other small animals. Some stilt birds also eat seeds and other plant matter.

The diets of stilt birds can vary depending on the species, the season, and the availability of food. Some of the most common foods eaten by stilt birds include:

- Fish

- Insects (e.g. beetles, flies, dragonflies)

- Crustaceans (e.g. shrimp, crabs)

- Molluscs (e.g. snails, mussels)

- Worms

- Seeds

- Plant material

Stilts are opportunistic feeders, and they will often take whatever food is available. However, some stilt birds are known to specialise in certain types of food. For example, the American avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is a type of stilt bird that almost exclusively eats brine shrimp.

Stilts play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to control the populations of insects, crustaceans, and other small animals. They are also a food source for other animals, such as raptors, owls, and carnivorous mammals.