The black-winged stilt is so named because of its black wings and stilts are poles, posts or pillars that allow a person or structure to stand at a height above the ground. An extremely long-legged bird, it could be the bird equivalent of Elle Macpherson.
Bird information.
Where can we see the Black-winged stilt?
The pictures above were taken at the newly formed water reserve just 15 minutes from Footsteps, however, you may find this bird by any shallow lake or marshland.
What does it look like?
Adults are 33–36 cm (13–14 in) long. They have long pink legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below, with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Males have a black back, often with greenish gloss. Females’ backs have a brown hue, contrasting with the black remiges. Source Wikipedia.
What does it feed on?
They eat mainly insects and crustaceans found by the water’s edge and in the sand.
Want to know an interesting Factoid?
It has the second longest legs of all birds with the Flamingo having the number one spot. Both the male and female incubate the eggs and look after their offspring, how modern is that?
How does it sound?
Its call is a short sharp ‘Kip’ much like a Spur-winged Lapwing. It is most vocal in its breeding grounds