The stilt is a tall, slender wading bird. Black extends noticeably farther around the sides of its neck and lower on its face than in the North American race. Its bill is long, thin, and black, its legs are very long and pink. Immature birds give a distinctive peeping call. It also gives a muted call while resting.
Stilts take strong flapping flights with trailing legs.
They are found in groups or singly in ponds, marshy areas and mudflats. They feed on fish, crabs, worms, and aquatic insects.