Black-winged Stilt

Overview

The black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a widely distributed, very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt family Recurvirostridae. The species is monotypic with no recognised subspecies, although taxonomy remains somewhat contentious regarding its relationship with other stilt species.

Identification

• 33–36 cm long with long pink legs and a long, thin black bill.
• Generally black above and white below, with a white head and neck that may vary in black markings.
• Males possess a black back often with a greenish gloss or sheen, while females have a brownish hue on the back contrasting with black remiges.
• Immatures are grey with a sandy hue on the wings and light feather fringes appearing as a whitish line in flight.

Habitat

Breeding habitats include marshes, shallow lakes, and ponds. Some populations are migratory, moving to ocean coasts in winter, while those in warmer regions are generally resident or short-range vagrants.

Did you know?

In 2022, four chicks were successfully fledged in northern England, believed to be the most northerly breeding success for the black-winged stilt.