a gallinule (Porphyrula martinica) with purplish wings and legs, usually found in freshwater swamps from the S U.S. to tropical South America
See purple gallinule in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A colorful gallinule (Porphyrula martinica) of South America and the southeast United States, having a purple head, neck, and underpart, a greenish-bronze back, yellow legs, and yellow-tipped red bill.
A related Old World gallinule (Porphyrio porphyrio) having dark, bluish-purple plumage and red legs.