Black-winged Stilt

Himantopus himantopus

© 2025
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1 recent observation

Brief #

Long pink legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and white below, with a white head.

Synonyms #

  • Cigüeñuela común (Spanish)
  • Pernalonga (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Black-winged Stilt is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

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.

Measurements #

Length: 33 - 36 cm
Wingspan: 67 - 83 cm
Weight: 150 - 210 g