Dictionary.net

A wading bird having remarkably long slender legs, a feature from which it derives its common name. It has a long straight bill, also very long wings for its size. It exhibits a general white color, the back and wings in the male being deep black, whilst those of the females are of a brownish-black hue. The average length of the stilt-bird is about 12 or 13 inches. The legs, which are of a red color, measure from 18 to 20 inches. They are destitute of a hind toe, and the three front ones are united by a membrane at their bases. Different species are found in America, Australia, and England.