Birds A-Z

Black-winged Stilt

Himantopus himantopus
BLACK-WINGED STILT

Listen:

Lars Lachmann, Xeno-canto

Gallery:

Key information: The Black-winged Stilt is a distinctive bird with black and white plumage, long red legs and a very sharp call. It visits Cyprus during migration and several pairs stay here to breed. It builds its nest close to the water or on small islets surrounded by shallow water. It is very sensitive to sudden changes in water level. Oroklini Lake is the most important area in Cyprus for the breeding of this species.

Length: 33 – 36 cm

Habitat: Wetlands

When they can be seen: Autumn, spring, summer

What they eat: Invertebrates, fish and other aquatic organisms, seeds

In Cyprus: Can be seen at Oroklini Lake, Akrotiri and Larnaka Salt Lakes, Achna Dam and Paralimni Lake

Status: Passage migrant, migrant breeder

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis

en_GBEnglish
Scroll to Top