Black-winged Stilt

Himantopus himantopus

The Black-winged Stilt, scientifically known as Himantopus himantopus, is a striking wader bird with long pink legs and a slender black bill. It is characterized by its black and white plumage, with a black crown and back, and a white belly and wings. These elegant birds are commonly found in shallow freshwater or saltwater wetlands, including marshes, mudflats, and coastal lagoons. They are known for their distinctive high-stepping walk as they forage for aquatic invertebrates and small fish. The Black-winged Stilt is a highly social species, often seen in large flocks during the breeding season. It is a widespread and adaptable species, found in various parts of the world, and is known for its graceful and agile flight.

Habitat: Shallow freshwater or saltwater wetlands

Black-winged Stilt
© Rahul Sankar · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0