Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

The Black-winged Stilt is a black-and-white wading bird with long pink legs, found in shallow wetlands across much of Africa and Eurasia. It is not a regular wild bird in the continental United States, where the similar Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) is the familiar species.

Appearance

Appearance: It is about 14–16 in (35–40 cm) long, with a white body, black back and wings, a needle-thin straight bill, and exceptionally long pink legs.

Look-alikes

Black-necked StiltHimantopus mexicanus

A mainland U.S. Black-necked Stilt usually has black across the back of the neck, while a Black-winged Stilt often has a whiter head and neck. Head markings vary, so check the range and several photos before deciding.

Why they get mixed upThey share the same long pink legs, straight bill, and black-and-white body plan.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: shallow wetlands
mudflats
salt pans
flooded fields
Range: The Black-winged Stilt occurs across much of Africa and Eurasia. It is not part of the normal wild birdlife of the continental United States.
Seasonal presence: Northern populations migrate, while some populations in warmer regions stay year-round.
Preferred conditions: It uses open, shallow fresh, , and salt water with exposed mud or sand.

Behavior

Diet: In Japanese wetlands, it catches aquatic insect larvae, small , fish, and tadpoles in shallow water.
Activity: It wades delicately and picks prey from the water surface or mud with its straight bill.

Life cycle

Nest: In Japan, it nests in a shallow hollow near water, lining it with pebbles or plant pieces.
Clutch size: 3–4 eggs
Incubation: 22–25 days

Name and classification

About the name: The American Black-necked Stilt and the Australasian Pied Stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus) are sometimes included in this species and sometimes treated as separate species.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

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