The Stilt Issue

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Hi Geoffrey, almost anything other than White-headed Stilt given the white head of the Banded Stilt. Would like Black-necked Stilt to fit observation of the birds.

 

From: Geoffrey Dabb [
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2016 5:01 PM
To:
Subject: FW: [canberrabirds] The Stilt Issue

 

Thanks to all who responded to the below.  I have 15 replies.  Anyone else like to offer a view?  Reasons are of interest, but not necessary.  I’ll circulate a summary of the result.  g

 

From: Geoffrey Dabb
Sent: Thursday, 18 August 2016 9:55 AM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] The Stilt Issue

 

One of our local bird species, the Black-winged Stilt, has recently undergone a change of status in the Australian list, reverting to Himantopus leucocephalus (the original Gould name).   There are various possibilities for an English name:

 

Australian Black-winged Stilt

Pied Stilt

White-headed Stilt

Yapping Stilt (to overcome confusing plumage-based names)

 

I’d be interested in the result of an informal vote by chatline members on these possibilities.  Could I ask each of you to let me know your preference?

 

gd