Where does the Black-winged Stilt live?
Himantopus himantopus
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Open the appThe Black-winged Stilt lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Wetlands, marshes, shallow lakes, lagoons, estuaries, salt pans, flooded fields, and sewage farms.
Geographic range
Widespread across much of the world, including southern Europe, Africa, Madagascar, southern and southeastern Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Different subspecies occupy different regions.
Preferred environments
Shallow, open water bodies with muddy or sandy margins, often with sparse emergent vegetation. They prefer areas where they can wade easily to forage.
Elevation range
Primarily found in lowland areas, typically below 500 meters, but can occur at higher altitudes in suitable wetland habitats.
Where to look
Shallow Wetlands
Look in shallow freshwater or brackish wetlands, including marshes, lagoons, and the edges of lakes and ponds.
Estuaries and Salt Pans
Coastal estuaries, mudflats, and salt evaporation ponds are also prime habitats, especially during migration or in wintering grounds.
Flooded Agricultural Fields
Often found foraging in recently flooded rice paddies or other agricultural fields.
Field tips
- Scan open water edges. They prefer open, shallow water where they can wade and probe for food. Look for them at the water's edge or wading further out.
- Listen for calls. Their sharp 'kip-kip-kip' call is distinctive and often given when disturbed or in flight, helping to locate them.
- Observe feeding behavior. Watch for their characteristic head-down, bill-sweeping foraging method in shallow water.
Migration
Many populations are migratory, moving from temperate breeding grounds to warmer wintering areas. Northern European and Asian populations migrate south to Africa and Southeast Asia. Southern populations may be resident or undertake shorter, local movements in response to water availability.
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