Himantopus Himantopus Leucocephalus, commonly known as the White-headed Stilt, has several synonyms that are frequently used in the scientific community. Some of the most common synonyms include: Himantopus leucocephalus, Himantopus novaezealandiae, and Cladorhynchus leucocephalus. These different names are used because they have been assigned to the same species by different taxonomic authorities over time. The White-headed Stilt is a wading bird found in wetland habitats across parts of Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. It is known for its striking white head and long, thin legs that allow it to easily move through shallow water as it searches for small aquatic animals to eat.