Black Stilt

Himantopus novaezelandiae, the kakī, is an endemic stilt and one of the world’s rarest waders. It differs from pied stilt through adult all-black plumage and longer, finer proportions. Adults are glossy black with long pink legs and a slender black bill. Juveniles and hybrids can show variable white plumage, making identification harder.

The remaining wild population is centred on the Mackenzie Basin and upper Waitaki catchment. Braided rivers, shallow wetlands and tarn margins provide feeding and nesting habitat. Kakī take aquatic insects, worms and small fish by probing and pecking. Pairs nest on open ground and receive intensive conservation support.

The New Zealand classification is Nationally Critical. The Department of Conservation’s area around Twizel offers occasional wild views; birds must be watched from a respectful distance.