Also known as the Common or Pied Stilt, this is a very long-legged, elegant wader that is able to wade out into deeper water to surface feed. It is a rare visitor to the UK from it's more familiar Mediterranean locations.
Key ID Features
Very long pinkish-red legs.
Black glossy upper parts with white underparts and breast.
Long, black, needle-like bill.
White head and neck in winter with variable grey markings during the summer.
Trailing, often crossed, legs in flight.
Overview
Scientific name: Himantopus himantopus
Family: Stilts and avocets (Recurvirostridae)
Where to see them:
Mostly in coastal areas and estuaries.
Seen in UK:
Infrequent winter visitor to southern and eastern areas-October to March
What they eat
Insects.
For more information click here
Photographer: Tim Tapley
