The black-winged stilt is a widely distributed, very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt family Recurvirostridae. Its scientific name, Himantopus himantopus, is sometimes used to generalize a single, almost cosmopolitan species. Alternatively, it is restricted to the form that is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa, which equals the nominate group of H. himantopus sensu lato. Meanwhile, the black-necked and white-backed stilts both inhabit the Americas; the pied stilt ranges from Australia and New Zealand. Today, most sources accept between one and four actual species.
Region
Europe, Africa, and Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the Old World from southern Europe and North Africa through the Middle East and Central/South Asia to parts of East Asia. Uses shallow freshwater and brackish habitats, including saltpans, lagoons, marshes, rice paddies, and the edges of lakes and rivers. Breeding typically takes place on sparsely vegetated ground or small islets near open water. Readily uses artificial wetlands and seasonally flooded fields. Outside breeding, it gathers in loose flocks on expansive mudflats and saline flats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A striking wader with exceptionally long pink legs, the black-winged stilt frequents shallow wetlands where it picks prey from the surface. It often nests colonially, sometimes alongside avocets, and vigorously defends nest sites with alarm calls and mobbing. Taxonomy is complex, with some authorities splitting similar forms (e.g., black-necked, white-backed, and pied stilts) as separate species.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, rapid wingbeats; legs trail well beyond the tail
Social Behavior
Often forms loose colonies and mixed-species groups with other shorebirds. Nests are shallow scrapes lined with plant material on open ground near water. Both sexes incubate and aggressively mob intruders near the nest. Outside breeding, it forages and roosts in small to large flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are sharp, high-pitched yelps and repeated ‘kik-kik-kik’ alarms, especially near nests. In display, pairs exchange rapid, piping notes. Vocalizations carry well over open water and mudflats.
Plumage
Crisp black-and-white contrast with glossy black wings and back set against white head, neck, and underparts; females and immatures show browner upperparts with pale fringes.
Diet
Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates, including insects and their larvae, small crustaceans, and mollusks. Will also take worms and occasionally small tadpoles or tiny fish. Prey is typically picked from the surface or just below in very shallow water, aided by the long legs and slender bill. Foraging style is deliberate, with occasional quick pursuits.
Preferred Environment
Shallow margins of lakes, salt and freshwater marshes, mudflats, and saline pans. Frequently uses man-made habitats such as sewage ponds, rice paddies, and flooded fields. Prefers open, sparsely vegetated shorelines where visibility is high.
