Black Winged Stilt

Length: 38 cm. Plumage: white with glossy black wings and back in male, less glossy in female; deep white V between wings; sometimes dark grey on crown of male, less so in female. Immature brown where adults black, sepia brown from crown to back and wings; extensive buff feather tipping. Bare parts: iris ruby red; bill black; feet and legs pinkish to red in adult, greyish pink in immature. Habitat: shallow waters of muddy creeks and estuaries or salt pans and inland waters. Resident, breeds in Africa, some palearctic migrants.