Black-winged stilt

The Black-winged stilt is a sociable bird, often found in small groups, and has an active daytime behaviour, foraging in shallow waters. In terms of migration, piciorongs are a migratory species that spend summers in the nesting areas of the Danube Delta, and in winter they migrate to warmer regions in Africa and Asia. They nest in small colonies near the water, where they build simple nests of plant debris on open ground. During the breeding season, males and females actively protect their nests from predators.

Himantopus himantopus

Description and how to observe Black-winged stilt:

The Black-winged stilt, with its Latin name Himantopus himantopus, is an elegant and particularly attractive bird, notable for its long, slender, deep red legs and contrasting black and white feathers. This contrast gives it a distinctive look, easily recognisable in its natural habitat. In the Danube Delta, it is best seen in shallow water, especially in mudflats, marshes and lagoons. For a more enjoyable birding experience, binoculars are recommended and keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the birds.

What it feeds on Black-winged stilt:

The Black-winged stilt feeds mainly on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, molluscs and worms, which it catches in shallow water, using its long, slender beak to dig in mud or marshy areas. Its diet varies according to the availability of food resources in its habitat and is adapted to its environment.

Threats:

The main threats to the Black-winged stilt in the Danube Delta are habitat destruction through desiccation, water pollution, disturbance from tourism and poaching. Climate change affecting nesting and wintering areas is also a major problem, contributing to population declines in some areas.

Ecological role:

The Black-winged stilt has an important ecological role in the aquatic ecosystems of the Danube Delta. Through its diet, it helps to control the populations of insects and other small species, thus contributing to the maintenance of ecological balance. Its presence also indicates a relatively healthy state of the aquatic environment and is a valuable bio-indicator for assessing habitat quality.

More information about Himantopus himantopus:

This fascinating species is protected by national and European legislation, including its inclusion in the EU Birds Directive. Birdwatching tours dedicated to this and other birds are frequently organised in the Danube Delta to encourage protection and awareness of the importance of biodiversity in this unique region.