White-backed Stilt
White-backed Stilt (<em>Himantopus melanurus</em>) is a species of Stilts, Avocets (<em>Recurvirostridae</em>) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids.
Overview
White-backed Stilt (Himantopus melanurus) is a species of Stilts, Avocets (Recurvirostridae) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Himantopus; binomial: Himantopus melanurus; authority: Vieillot, 1817.
Distribution
Breeding range: South America.
Conservation Status
This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.
Remarks
Himantopus melanurus is split from H. mexicanus (Sibley & Monroe 1990; Ridgely & Greenfield 2001); SACC awaits more study. Proposed relump of Himantopus melanurus with H. mexicanus to align with AOS Classification Committees. Insufficient evidence to support a split without a better understanding of their intergrade zone in Peru and/or more detailed genetic analysis.
