The Black Stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae),or Kakī (Māori), is one of the world’s rarest and most endangered birds. Once widespread and common in many parts of New Zealand, Kakï are now essentially restricted to the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island. Adult Kakï look quite distinctive with their completely black plumage, long red legs and fine black bill. Young Kakï are sometimes confused with pied stilts, as they do not attain their fully black plumage until 15–18 months of age. Kakï live in braided rivers and associated wetland habitats, feeding mainly on aquatic invertebrates, small fish and molluscs.