The Stilt Birds obtain their name from the excessive length of their legs, which are also so slender and flexible that they can be bent considerably without breaking. Their feet are not so completely webbed as the species we have just mentioned; the two membranes which unite the toes are unequal in size. The bill is long, slender and sharp, like that of the Avocet, but straight; the wings are long and pointed; the tail small. They are about the size of the Avocet, and sometimes attain the height of twenty-six inches. They possess considerable powers of flight, but walk with difficulty; on the other hand, they are much at home on mud or in marshes and swamps, in which they bore with their long beaks for insects, larvae, and small molluscs, dainties to which they are very partial. They are dull, shy birds, leading a solitary life, except at nesting time. At that period they assemble in great numbers, build their nests in the marshes, on little hillocks, close to one another, grass being the principal material employed. They lay four greenish colored eggs, with ash colored spots. The male bird watches while the females are sitting; and, at the slightest alarm, he raises a cry which startles the flock. The whole colony may then be seen on the wing, waiting for the danger to pass before settling down. Stilt Birds are uncommon in Western Europe; they are principally to be met with in the Russian and Hungarian marshes. During the summer they occasionally visit the shores of the Mediterranean, but they are seldom seen on those of the Atlantic. LONG-TOED WADERS. [Illustration: Reed Hen Caught by Fish.] The Birds forming this family are remarkable for the extreme length of their toes, which are entirely separate, or but slightly webbed; they are thus enabled to walk on the weeds growing on the surface of the water. In most instances the shortness of their wings limits their powers of flight. This order includes the Gallinules, or Water Hens, Rails, Coots, Pratincoles, and Screamers. The chief characteristics of the Reed Hen are a short and strong bill, thick at the base and sharp at the end, with a prolongation of it extending up the forehead; four well-spread toes, furnished with sharp claws—the three front toes united by a small and cloven membrane. Their favorite haunts are marshy places and the banks of lakes or rivers, where they feed on Worms, Insects, Molluscs, and the smaller Fish. The Pike is their greatest enemy.