Identification

Very long, distinctive pink legs that trail noticeably in flight, thin black bill, black wings and back often with greenish gloss, white underparts, tail white with variable gray banding. Female has upperparts duller brown, lacking greenish gloss. Some non-breeders develop more extensive gray on crown, nape, and hindneck. Juvenile similar to adult female.

The Black-winged Stilt is most likely to be confused with the Pied Stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus), and may also be confused with the Banded Stilt (Cladorhynchus leucocephalus).

Black-winged Stilt may be confused with a Pied Stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus), especially when in non-breeding (basic) plumage. In breeding (alternate) plumage, Pied Stilt display a distinct thick black stripe on the nape, hind neck, and hind collar. These parts on the Black-winged Stilt are either clean white, or the striping also leads from the base of the neck all the way to to the nape and cap. These two species overlap only in the northern portion of Indonesia.

The Banded Stilt (Cladorhynchus leucocephalus) could also be mistaken for the Black-winged Stilt, however the Banded Stilt is easily differentiated by its broad breast band. The Banded Stilt and Black-winged Stilt are not known to overlap in range.