An unmistakable wading bird: very long pink legs, crisp black-and-white plumage and a thin, straight, pointed black bill. The back, the wings and a band running down the nape are black; the forehead, face, neck and underparts are white. The iris is an intense red. Its legs are among the longest of any bird in proportion to its body, surpassed only by those of the flamingos. It measures about 35 cm. Very vocal and noisy when anything comes near the nest.
Behaviour
It walks through shallow water, mud beaches and lagoon shores, picking aquatic insects, small crustaceans and larvae off the surface of the water and the mud. It is usually seen in loose groups and is very noisy, giving loud alarm calls in flight. It nests on the ground, on mud or sand beaches and sometimes in small colonies, with precocial chicks that run and swim within hours of hatching.
How and when to see it
Year-round. The mud beaches, lagoon edges and shallow marshes of the portals concentrate groups. It is easy to see and photograph thanks to its size, its contrasting plumage and its habit of feeding in plain sight, in open water.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where white-backed stilt has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where white-backed stilt lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiencias con relato local y mirada cultural sobre los esteros.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Travesías a caballo por una red de refugios en el Iberá. Cabalgatas de varios días con…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Senderismo guiado. Visita guiada a museos, lugares históricos, capillas y senderos del…★ 5.0 - Reserva Estero Camba Trapo
Reserva natural privada de la Ecoposada del Estero, sobre el camino del Camba Trapo. Uno…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameWhite-backed Stilt
- Scientific nameHimantopus melanurus
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
Other species of the Iberá
Discover all the wildlife of the Iberá
More than 250 species with photos, profiles and the gateways where you can see them. Map, providers and trip planner. Free, no download needed.
Open Iberá Experience