Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
Species
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus). Male. Taken at Barranco Cabras, Fuerteventura, on March 15th 2018.
Male. Taken at Barranco Cabras, Fuerteventura, on March 15th 2018.
(1/500th sec at f13. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)

Description

L: 33 - 36 cm

An unmistakable bird, with a long, thin beak, very long reddish-pink legs, and black-and-white plumage. Males have an all-black back. In females this has a brownish hue. The amount of black on the head varies.

This species occurs in most of the warmer parts of southern and southeastern Europe, southern Asia and north Africa. It is an occasional vagrant to the UK.

Its breeding habitat is marshes, shallow lakes and ponds. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water.

Black-winged Stilts often nest in small groups, sometimes with Avocets.

This species is regarded as being of Least Concern in the IUCN classification.

Sightings

16-Nov-2018 : Extremadura, Spain (1)
15-Mar-2018 : Fuerteventura, Canary Islands (8)
13-Mar-2018 : Fuerteventura, Canary Islands (2)
12-Mar-2018 : Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
10-Mar-2018 : Fuerteventura, Canary Islands (6)

06-Nov-2016 : La Janda, Spain (3)

01-May-2013 : The Camargue, France
25-Apr-2013 : Marais du Viguierat, France

24-Jun-2010 : The Brenne, Loire Valley, France

02-May-2007 : Oristano, Sardinia

22-May-2005 : Quinta da Rocha, Portugal
19-May-2005 : Castro Marim, Portugal
18-May-2005 : Sao Marcos da Ataboeira, Portugal
17-May-2005 : Ludo Marsh, Portugal