Black-winged Stilts breed in Kent

A pair of Black-winged Stilts has successfully bred at RSPB Worth Marshes, Kent.

The adults successfully fledged four chicks in what is a first breeding record for the reserve. It is the latest confirmation of Black-winged Stilts breeding in Britain in 2023, which looks set to be a record-breaking year for the species, which saw no fewer than 50 different sites recording birds during May and several pairs showing signs of nesting. Two breeding pairs have already been confirmed at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire, with another pair with chicks at Edderthorpe Flash RSPB, South Yorkshire.

The adult female Black-winged Stilt and four chicks at Worth Marshes (Andrew Lipczynski via Twitter).

Black-winged Stilt has bred in Kent before, including in 2017 when two pairs nested at Cliffe Pools.

Worth Marshes is a large area of reclaimed farmland dominated by open landscapes and wetland habitats.