Black-winged stilt
Himantopus himantopus
39.3506, -0.31281
Field Notes
Description:
In winter the black spot on their heads is reduced, even disappearing in some individuals, especially in males.
Adults are between 33 and 36 cm long. The stilt is characterized by its very long pinkish legs, and its long, thin, straight, black bill. Its wings are short and triangular in shape. Its plumage is white on the underparts and flanks, while the males have black upperparts, with green iridescence; and the females have them brown, in contrast to their black rémiges. Both sexes have a black spot on the crown and back of the neck of variable length, which is reduced in winter and may even disappear, especially in males. Juveniles have mottled brownish upperparts and gray instead of black on head.
Habitat:
Mouth of a coastal freshwater lagoon. El Saler, Valencia.
They forage for food in sand, mud, or water, and eat mainly insects, worms, and small crustaceans wading through mud flats or flooded areas.
Notes:
My video of Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus: https://youtu.be/f567mbvx18I
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