Black-winged Stilt
NameBlack-winged Stilt
Common NameBlack-winged Stilt
Scientific NameHimantopus himantopus
FamilyRecurvirostridae
Wingspan (cm)75
Length (cm)34.5
Weight (g)175
Plumage DetailsAdults have pure white underparts, head, and neck, with a contrasting black back and wings. The eyes are bright red, and the bill is long, thin, and black. Some individuals or subspecies may show varying amounts of black on the head or hindneck.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations are typically sharp, yelping calls, often described as 'kip-kip-kip' or 'kik-kik-kik', especially when alarmed or in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species has a very wide distribution, breeding across southern Europe, Africa, Madagascar, southern and southeastern Asia, and Australia. It is migratory in some parts of its range.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long pink legs, Slender, straight black bill, Striking black and white plumage, Red eyes, Wading behavior in shallow water
Description
The Black-winged Stilt is an elegant wading bird characterized by its extremely long, slender pink legs and striking black and white plumage. It typically forages in shallow waters, using its long legs to wade and its thin bill to probe for invertebrates.
