Black-Winged Stilt
Himantopus himantopus
About the Black-Winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is a slender, elegant wading bird with disproportionately long pink legs, a white body, and black wings. It stands about 14 inches tall, but its legs account for nearly half of that height. These remarkable legs allow it to forage in deeper water than most waders. It feeds by picking insects, small crustaceans, and seeds from the water's surface or just below it. Its long, needle-thin bill is perfectly adapted for this precision feeding.
Wilpattu Significance
Black-winged stilts are common winter visitors to Wilpattu, arriving from northern breeding grounds. They are most visible during the migratory season (October-March) when hundreds can be seen foraging along the margins of villus. Their delicate, precise feeding movements and dramatic leg colour make them a favourite among bird photographers. They are often the first birds visitors notice at a villu due to their conspicuous appearance.
Conservation Status
Least Concern. Common winter visitor to Sri Lanka.
Best Season to See
October-March (migratory season).
Best Locations in Wilpattu
- Shallows of Lunuwewa Villu
- Kokkare Villu
- Mahaweva Villu margins
Viewing Tips
- 1Look for them wading in shallow water at the edge of villus
- 2Their long pink legs are visible from a distance, even before you see their body
- 3They feed methodically — follow one individual for 60 seconds to see its full technique
- 4Small flocks of 10-30 are common during the migratory season
Photography Tips
- The pink legs against blue water make a striking colour combination
- A stilt with its reflection in still water creates a beautiful symmetrical image
- Low angle shots make the long legs look even more dramatic
- Foraging shots with the bill touching the water capture the feeding behaviour
Did You Know?
Black-winged stilts have the longest legs relative to body size of any bird in the world, after flamingos. Their legs are so long that they often cannot sit comfortably on flat ground without folding them at an awkward angle.
Ready to see the Black-Winged Stilt in the wild? Book a Wilpattu safari with expert naturalists who know exactly where and when to find them.