Black-winged StiltHimantopus himantopusWo und wann du sie sehen kannst

The black-winged stilt is an elegant wetland bird with extraordinarily long pink legs, a straight black bill and strongly contrasting plumage. In southern Europe it occupies shallow lagoons, saltpans and flooded lowlands, sometimes nesting surprisingly close to human activity where water levels remain suitable. Its apparently fragile proportions are practical adaptations for feeding in water deeper than many small shorebirds can use. Head markings vary with age, sex, season and individual.

Size

33–36 cm long

Weight

150–210 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Stilts walk deliberately through shallow water, picking prey from the surface or probing soft sediment with quick bill movements. They may feed in loose groups but become conspicuously vocal around nesting areas. Pairs nest on low islands, banks or small raised patches, and adults sometimes perform distraction displays near young. Chicks leave the nest soon after hatching and feed themselves, although parents continue to guard them and provide warmth. Courtship displays involve the male preening the female's head and neck, often accompanied by soft calls. Both parents share incubation duties and vigorously defend their clutch and young from potential predators, sometimes performing dramatic aerial displays.

• Its legs extend conspicuously beyond the tail during flight.
• Newly hatched chicks can walk and collect their own food.
• Adults may use distraction displays to draw threats away from chicks.
• Human-managed saltpans can provide habitat when water levels and disturbance are suitable.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

Shallow freshwater and saline wetlands are used, including coastal lagoons, saltworks, marsh margins and seasonally flooded fields. Open feeding areas and sparsely vegetated nesting patches are important. Water depth is critical: both drying and sudden flooding can make otherwise suitable sites temporarily unusable. They often show a preference for water bodies with sparse, emergent vegetation, providing both cover and open foraging areas. Human-modified wetlands, such as saltpans and rice paddies, are also frequently utilized, indicating a degree of adaptability.

Aquatic insects and their larvae, small crustaceans, worms and molluscs form much of the diet. Prey is collected from water, mud and wet vegetation. Its fine bill suits small items, while long legs let it forage across a wider depth range than shorter-legged waders. Its diet also includes small fish fry and amphibian tadpoles when available, diversifying its protein intake. Foraging can occur both during the day and occasionally at night, particularly in moonlit conditions, to exploit abundant prey.

Common name

Black-winged Stilt

Scientific name

Himantopus himantopus

Animal group

Birds

Size

33–36 cm long

Weight

150–210 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Exceptionally long pink legs and a straight fine black bill separate it from avocets, which have upturned bills and blue-grey legs. Juveniles are similar to adults but have a duller plumage with brownish upperparts and a less intense pink on their legs. The stark black and white plumage of the adult is highly diagnostic, even from a distance.