Black-winged Stilt

Presentation

The Black-winged Stilt is a slender wading bird easily recognised by its disproportionately long, thin pink legs and its long, thin black bill. Its striking black and white plumage gives it a distinctive silhouette over shallow wetland areas. It frequents marshes, lagoons, and salt flats where it feeds by wading through water. In Tunisia, it is regularly observed in coastal and inland wetlands, notably during migration periods and breeding season. It is a gregarious species that often nests in small colonies. It is protected in many countries due to its dependence on threatened wetland habitats.

The Black-winged Stilt measures approximately 35 to 40 cm in length, with pink legs that represent an exceptional proportion of its total height. Its plumage is predominantly white with black areas on the back, wings, and sometimes the nape depending on sex and age. The bill is long, thin, and straight, adapted for capturing small aquatic prey. Males and females are distinguished by slightly different shades of black on the back.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The Black-winged Stilt favours shallow wetland areas: salt marshes, lagoons, sebkhas, lake shores and rice paddies. It avoids deep water, preferring mudflats and open banks where it can walk easily. In Tunisia, it is found in several coastal and inland wetland sites. It tolerates a degree of proximity to human activity as long as the aquatic habitat remains suitable.

Behaviour

It is a diurnal species, often observed in groups of varying size, particularly during migration stopovers. It is territorial during breeding and actively defends its nest against intruders, including other birds and predators. Its flight is characteristic, with the long legs extended back beyond the tail. It produces sharp, repeated calls when alarmed.

Reproduction

Nesting takes place on the ground near water, in a shallow depression lined with vegetation. The female typically lays 3 to 4 eggs, incubated by both parents for about 25 days. The chicks are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching, following their parents to feed. The species often nests in loose colonies, sometimes alongside other shorebirds.

Peculiarities

The ratio of leg length to body size is among the highest in the avian world, giving rise to its common name. This morphological feature allows it to exploit slightly deeper water than other shorebirds of similar size.

Threats and conservation

Degradation and drying of wetland areas pose the main threat to the species, reducing its breeding and feeding sites. Water pollution and human disturbance during the breeding season also affect reproductive success. In some regions, illegal hunting or destruction of coastal habitats adds further pressure on local populations.

References

Profile updated 23 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Least concern (LC)

IUCN source, latest published assessment.

Documented diseases for this species.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for a veterinary consultation. If you have any concerns about your animal's health, consult a veterinarian.

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