The black winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a fascinating wading bird found in wetlands around the world. With their impossibly long pink legs, bold black and white plumage, and energetic feeding behavior, these elegant birds are a delight to observe for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. However, with over a dozen similar looking wader species, proper identification of black winged stilts requires a trained eye and an understanding of their key features. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of black winged stilt identification covering their physical attributes, behavior, habitat, range, similar species, and the best ways to observe them in the field.
Distinctive Physical Features
Several distinctive physical features differentiate black winged stilts from other waders and make them relatively easy to identify. These include:
- Extraordinarily long pink legs – Their legs make up 60% of their overall height and are noticeably longer than any other wader species.
- Bold black and white plumage – Adults have all-white bodies, jet black tops of the wings, and some black on the head.
- Long, thin black bill – Perfectly adapted for probing and catching small aquatic prey.
- Red eyes – Adults have bright red eyes while juveniles have brown eyes.
In flight, black winged stilts display broad, rounded wings with prominent white secondary feathers contrasting with the black wing coverts. Their long dangling legs extend well beyond the tail during flight. While foraging, they exhibit an upright stance and have a horizontal posture unlike the hunched profile of many shorebirds.
Behavioral Traits and Feeding Style
Black winged stilts have a very active, energetic foraging style unlike more stationary herons and egrets. They use their slender bills to rapidly probe and peck at prey in shallow water and mudflats. Their constant head bobbing gives them a very active demeanor. They may also stir up the substrate with their feet to flush out prey. When disturbed, black winged stilts take flight calling loudly with sharp, shrill calls. Flocks wheel about before resettling in their original location or a new spot nearby.
Preferred Habitat
As their name suggests, black winged stilts prefer shallowly flooded habitats with soft muddy or sandy substrates. Common locations include:
- Coastal saltwater lagoons, estuaries, and tidal flats
- Ponds, lakes, impoundments, and other inland wetlands
- Flooded agricultural fields
- Wastewater treatment plants
- Irrigation canals and ditches
- Mudflats and shorelines
They avoid fast moving streams and rivers as well as rocky coastlines that don’t support productive mudflats.
Range and Distribution
Black winged stilts have an extremely widespread global distribution across warmer regions. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. Here is a summary of their range:
- North America – Found during summer across the southern half of the continental United States, Mexico, Caribbean islands, and down through Central America.
- South America – Occurs year-round in Central and South America from Columbia and Venezuela south to Chile and Argentina.
- Europe – Breeds in southern and central Europe from Spain and Portugal east to Ukraine. Most populations migrate to Africa in winter.
- Africa – Found year-round throughout sub-Saharan Africa below the Sahara Desert.
- Asia – Occurs from the Middle East through southern Asia from India to Java and the Philippines.
- Australia – Common resident of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand including offshore islands.
They occur only as seasonal migrants or winter visitors in more temperate parts of Eurasia.
Similar Species
The black and white plumage, red eyes, and incredibly long pink legs make adult black winged stilts relatively straightforward to identify. However, it’s important to be aware of certain similar species when attempting to identify juvenile stilts or when only catching a fleeting glimpse of a bird. The following species could potentially cause confusion:
American Avocet
Like black winged stilts, American avocets have very long legs and bills adapted to foraging in shallow water. However, avocets have a bold black and white pattern on the head and neck and more extensively black wings leaving only the wingtips white. The bill curves slightly upward. Legs are bluish-gray rather than pink.
Yellowlegs
Both lesser and greater yellowlegs waders have a generally similar profile and structure to stilts. However, yellowlegs have shorter legs that are yellowish rather than pink. Their backs are mottled gray and white rather than solid black. Heads are plain with dark eye stripes.
Long-billed Dowitcher
In winter plumage, long-billed dowitchers can appear similar to juvenile black winged stilts. However, dowitchers have barred gray upperparts instead of black and a stockier body profile. Legs are yellow-green. In flight, the white rump is distinctive.
Black-necked Stilt
Very similar to the black winged stilt but only found in the American West. Black necked stilts have more extensive black on the head and neck as their name suggests.
Himantopus Stilts
Other Himantopus stilts like the white-backed stilt (Africa), black-winged stilt (Australia), and white-headed stilt (New Zealand) occur in localized parts of the world outside the Americas. They can look almost identical to the black winged stilt. Identification is based on geographic location rather than appearance.
When and Where to See in North America
Here are some tips for the best places and times to spot black winged stilts in North America:
- Summer – Observe at inland shallow wetlands, saltwater lagoons, and agricultural fields across the southern U.S. from California to Florida.
- Spring and Fall Migration – Scan flocks of shorebirds at wetland stopover sites especially along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
- Winter – Search open lakes, ponds, and estuaries across the southernmost U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, and Central America.
- Prime U.S. Sites – Salton Sea (California), Cheyenne Bottoms (Kansas), Texas Gulf Coast, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge (Texas), Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR (California).
Viewing is best in the early morning or evening when stilts are actively foraging. Bring binoculars and scope for best visibility.
Conclusion
In summary, the black winged stilt is a striking and unmistakable wading bird thanks to its bubblegum pink legs, bold black and white plumage, and energetic feeding style. Focus on these distinctive traits to properly identify stilts in the field. Pay close attention to leg and bill coloration to distinguish lookalikes. Check range maps if a sighting occurs outside their normal range. With a little practice, birdwatchers can readily identify these elegant wetland birds. The next time you encounter a flock of noisy, racing shorebirds, take a closer look to see if they are the entertaining black winged stilt.
Feature | Black Winged Stilt |
---|---|
Legs | Extra long, bright pink |
Bill | Long, thin, black |
Plumage | White body, black wings and back, red eyes |
Behavior | Active foraging, constant bobbing |
Habitat | Shallow wetlands, lakes, lagoons, mudflats |
Range | Americas, southern Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia |
Similar Species | Avocets, yellowlegs, dowitchers |
Further Reading on Black Winged Stilts
To learn more about identifying and observing black winged stilts, consult these excellent resources:
- The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America – Provides details, range maps, and informative illustrations.
- National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America – Covers stilt identification, behavior, and habitat.
- Black Winged Stilt profile – Audubon Guide
- Black Winged Stilt overview – The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- eBird – View sightings, range maps, and recent photos of black winged stilts submitted by citizen scientists.
With the right field guides and resources, birdwatchers of all skill levels can master black winged stilt identification. Grab your binoculars and start scanning your local wetlands to spot these striking birds today!