Himantopus himantopus - Black-winged Stilt
Feather characters. Barbules are rather short (0.96-1.05 mm) and divided into pigmented nodes and partly pigmented (less than 50%) internodes. Concentration of pigment decreases distally. Slightly thickened nodes (20-22 per mm) are present on proximal end of barbules, gradually decreasing towards distal end. Nodes may be very small in size. Villi are absent and internodes are straight. Prongs are absent, although in some cases minute prongs may be found on distal end.
Field characters. Size 37 cm. Weight 161 g (138-208) (Dunning, 1993). Unmistakable due to very long (almost half of total length) rose-red legs, black and white plumage and long, thin, straight black bill (Avocet has upturned bill). Plumage white, with black mantle and wings and dark-grey crown and nape (in female crown and nape usually unmarked). Juvenile similar to adult, but plumage with brownish tinge. In flight legs extend far beyond tail; black underwing contrasts strongly with pure white underparts. When not wading, it has to 'crouch' due to length of legs.
Voice. Common note is a harsh, shrill "kik-kik-kik"; when flushed it produces frequently a nasal "queet".
Distribution. Locally a fairly rare breeding bird; a vagrant in northern Europe. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Prefers still, shallow fresh or brackish water, especially where floating vegetation abounds, such as marshes and rivulets; also on flooded meadows; not very keen on overgrown margins. Rarely seen near coast.
Food. Takes invertebrates (mainly aquatic insects) from ground, plants, or water. May also take seeds of rushes and sedges, berries, amphipods, and small snails.