All black stilt with long red legs and long thin black bill, endemic to New Zealand. Juveniles have a white head, neck, and breast, with black around the eye. Breeds only on open braided rivers and connected wetlands of the Mackenzie Basin in South Canterbury and North Otago. Favors shallow waters of side streams and pools to feed on invertebrates. Some birds move to northern New Zealand harbors over winter. Juvenile Black Stilts are similar to Pied Stilts, but have shorter legs and longer bill. Hybridizes with the native pied stilt.