Black-winged Stilt

The Black-winged Stilt is a graceful, long-legged shorebird with glossy black wings and back set against white underparts, neck, and head. The amount of dusky or black shading on the crown and hindneck varies, being more extensive in some individuals, particularly females and non-breeding birds. Its bill is thin and straight, and its legs are extremely long and pink-red.

Found across much of the Old World, it is a familiar and elegant sight wading through shallow wetlands from Europe to Africa and Asia.

Key field marks

• Black wings and back contrasting with white underparts
• Variable dusky or black markings on the head and hindneck
• Thin, straight black bill
• Extremely long pink legs, trailing well beyond the tail in flight

Similar species

The Black-necked Stilt of the Americas is nearly identical but tends to show more solid black on the head and neck. The Pied Avocet has an upturned bill and blue-gray legs rather than a straight bill and pink legs.

Habitat

Shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands, salt pans, flooded fields, and marshes.

Range and migration

Found across southern Europe, Africa, and Asia. Northern populations migrate to Africa and southern Asia for winter, while many tropical populations are largely resident.

Behavior

Wades in shallow water, picking prey from the surface with quick jabs of the bill.

Voice

Sharp, yapping calls, especially when defending nests.

Feeding

Aquatic insects, crustaceans, worms, and small fish.

Nesting and breeding

Nests colonially on bare ground, small islands, or mounds near water, with pairs performing distraction displays to lure predators away from eggs or chicks.