Wading Birds

Wading birds (waders) generally are tall, sleek birds with long beaks which they use to hunt in shallow waters. The herons are an exception but are still generally included as wading birds. Different lengths of bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. Many waders have sensitive nerve endings at the end of their bills which enable them to detect prey items hidden in mud or soft soil. Some larger species, particularly those adapted to drier habitats will take larger prey including insects and small reptiles.