BIRDS. 359 



ORDER IV. GRALLATORES (Wading Birds). 



The wading birds have long legs, the tarsal region being 

 extremely long, and the shank partly naked. Correlated 

 with length of leg is length of neck. Here belong a long 

 series of forms, some of which, like the snipe, are of value 



FIG. 153. Wilson's Snipe (Gattinago wilsoni). After Wilson. 



to man as game-birds; while others, like the cranes, herons, 

 storks, etc., have less importance. Some, like the ibis and 

 the flamingo, are brightly colored, while marabou and 

 egret furnish feathers for human adornment. 



In all the foregoing groups of birds the hinder toe is, 

 as a rule, small and of little use. In all that follow it is 

 usually well developed. 



ORDER V. RAPTORES (Birds of Prey). 



The owls, hawks, eagles, and their allies are characterized 

 by short, stout, curved beaks, strong feet and large wings; 

 all structures admirably adapted to the capture of prey 



