Adult © Chris Wood
Adult © Ian Davies
Adult © Suzanne Labbé
Juvenile © Ian Davies
+ 6
Juvenile © James Rieman
Juvenile © Shanmugam Saravanan
Adult © Ian Davies
© Bhaskar pandeti
© Anamul Hassan

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Striking large black-and-white wader with a thin, straight bill and bright pink legs, found in wetlands with open shallow water throughout much of Africa and Eurasia, often in brackish habitats. Some populations are migratory, departing northerly breeding grounds for warmer southern regions. Often forms noisy colonies on bare ground near water. Essentially unmistakable throughout much of its range, but compare with Pied Stilt in parts of Southeast Asia. Feeds by wading in water, picking from the water surface with its needle-like bill. In flight, long pink legs stick out far beyond the tail. Calls loudly and stridently, especially when alarmed during the breeding season.

POWERED BY MERLIN