The Black-necked Stilt is most abundant in natural and man-made wetlands from the southern United States to southern South America. However, due to a northward range expansion, the species has increased in abundance in Canada relative to about 1970. The Black-necked Stilt was first observed breeding in Canada in 1977; it has since bred in several provinces. Sightings of non-breeders have also become more numerous, and are spread from coast to coast. The cause of this range expansion is not entirely understood.
Breeding conditions for the Black-necked Stilt in Canada are apparently favourable, as evidenced by the species' recent range expansions (Dekker et al. 1979, Smith 1996, Gratto-Trevor 2002). Moreover, the species appears to be increasing in abundance range-wide. However, in some portions of the range, loss and degradation of wetlands could adversely affect populations. Also, the birds' use of agricultural wetlands could expose them to harmful levels of contaminants (Williams et al. 1989). However, agricultural drainage through managed wetlands have been successful in attracting the species and providing nesting habitat (Davis et al. 2008).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
