Pied Stilt
NamePied Stilt
Common NamePied Stilt
Scientific NameHimantopus leucocephalus
FamilyRecurvirostridae
Wingspan (cm)67
Length (cm)37
Weight (g)190
Plumage DetailsAdults have a white head, neck, and underparts, with a black cap extending from the bill to the nape. The back and wings are glossy black. The bill is long, thin, and black, and the legs are conspicuously long and pink.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a sharp, yelping 'kek-kek-kek' or 'kip-kip-kip', often given in flight or when alarmed.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and other islands in the western Pacific.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long pink legs, Striking black and white plumage, Black cap on head, Long, thin black bill, Wades in shallow water
Description
The Pied Stilt is a medium-sized wading bird characterized by its striking black and white plumage and extremely long, slender pink legs. It typically forages in shallow waters, using its long bill to probe for invertebrates.
