Jun
16
Black Necked Stilts
Filed Under Shorebirds, Spring 2009
A biology professor I had in college asked us to think about the color of animals. He said that an animal’s color scheme was the product of evolution and makes them more succesful in their world. A successful individual is able to eat more and breed more. The color, or more accurately, pattern of Black Necked Stilts is interesting to think about. How does this pattern make them more successful in their environment?
Comments
Their black backs help them blend in with the marsh mud when viewed from above, protecting them from predators while the white undersides blend with the sky when seen from a fish’s view underwater thus enabling them to successfully stalk and eat prey.
This is the best theory so far. It seems plausible.
so smart!
One of my favorite shorebirds. The theory makes sense.