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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