Pied Stilt

Scientific Name: Himantopus leucocephalus
Malay Name: Kedidi Kaki-Panjang Australasia
Chinese Name: 澳洲长脚鹬
Alternative Name(s): White-headed Stilt, Australian Stilt

Range:
Found from Indonesia to Australia and New Zealand.

Taxonomy:
Monotypic.

Size: 35 cm

Identification:
Adult resembles Black-winged Stilt but has long black “mane” at the back of the head and neck. Based on current knowledge, may not be possible to distinguish juvenile Pied Stilt with non-breeding and juvenile Black-winged Stilt.

Similar looking species: Black-winged Stilt

Habitat: Borders of open wetlands, coastal pools, mudflats and marshy grasslands.

Behaviour/Ecology:

Local Status: Very rare breeding resident

Location: A total of 4 adults and 4 juveniles were observed at Pulau Tekong between 16 July 2019 and 23 August 2019. Nest was found and subsequently 3 chicks hatched.

Photos:

Pied Stilt adult with eggs at Pulau Tekong. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong

Pied Stilt adult with eggs at Pulau Tekong. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong

Pied Stilt adult incubating eggs at Pulau Tekong. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong

Pied Stilt adult incubating eggs at Pulau Tekong. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong

Pied Stilt eggs at Pulau Tekong. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong

Pied Stilts immatures/juveniles at Pulau Tekong. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong

Pied Stilts immatures/juveniles at Pulau Tekong. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong

Pied Stilts adults at Pulau Tekong. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong

Pied Stilt chick at Pulau Tekong. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong

Pied Stilt chick at Pulau Tekong. Photo credit: Frankie Cheong

External Links:
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link

References:
Robson, C. (2008). A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers.