The Black-Winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus himantopus) is also called the Common Stilt, or Pied Stilt. It is a long-legged wading bird – a wader. Stilts refer to the long legs, and himantopus means thong foot or strap foot.

The Black-Winged Stilt has long pink legs, a long thin black bill (beak) and black and white feathers.

Black-Winged Stilt in Kenya, Africa

Males have a black back. Females have backs that are brownish. Young birds are grey instead of black.

They grow to 33–36 centimetres (13–14 inches) long.

The Black-Winged Stilt lives near water in marshes, shallow lakes, and ponds. It is a wetlands bird. They are found in most parts of the world.

They find food in the sand or water. They mainly eat insects and small crabs.

They nest in a bare spot on the ground near water. These birds often nest in small groups.

Black-Winged Stilt in Kenya, Africa

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM