Himantopus himantopus
Size: 33 – 35cm
Weight: 150 – 175g
Found: Widespread across Eurasia and Africa. The breeding habitat of all these stilts is marshes, shallow lakes and ponds. Some populations are migratory and move to the ocean coasts in winter; those in warmer regions are generally resident or short-range vagrants.
Description: 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. Immature birds are grey instead of black and have a markedly sandy hue on the wings, with light feather fringes appearing as a whitish line in flight.
Diet: These birds pick up their food from sand or water. They mainly eat insects and crustaceans.
Comment: The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water. These birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with avocets.
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