96 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 



TANTALIDjE. 



(199.) Tantalus loculator Linn. 



Very common on the Colorado, at least as high as Fort Mojave, but especi- 

 ally abundant on the lower portions of this river and of the Gila. Great 

 numbers seen at Fort Yuma. 



200. Falcinellcs Ordii Bonap. 



Sparsely distributed throughout New Mexico and Arizona. I have seen it 

 at intervals from the Rio Grande to the Colorado. Fort Whipple, Oct. 18, 

 1864, and at other times during the autumn. 



CHARADRIID^E. 



201. Aegialitis vociferus (L.) Cass. 



The only small wader found in any considerable numbers about Fort 

 Whipple Summer resident, arriving early in April and remaining until 

 November. 



(202.) Aegialitis semipalmatus, (Bp.) Cab. 



Colorado River, September and October, 1865. 



The Charadrius virginicus, and the Sguatarola helvetica are both doubt- 

 less to be found in the Territory, though I have never seen specimens from 

 within its limits. 



PODASOCYS* Coues, nov. gen. 



Gh. Gen. Bill two thirds as long as the skull; equal to the middle toe and 

 claw; but little more than half the tarsus. Wing of moderate length, reach- 

 ing when folded beyond the taiit ; second primary nearly as long as the fit st. 

 Tail exceedingly short, contained twice in the length of the wing from the 

 carpus; square; the rectrices broad to their obtusely rounded tips. Legs 

 stout and very long; denuded portion of tibia two-thirds as long as the tarsus, 

 the latter nearly twice as long as the middle toe and claw; tibia and tarsus 

 entirely covered with small, polygonal, reticulated plates, largest on the ante- 

 rior face of the tarsus. Tjes very short and stout ; lateral ones unequal in 

 length : tip of inner claw nearly reaching base of outer lateral one ; tip of the 

 latter falling short of the base of the middle one. Claws short, obtuse and 

 little curved. Of moderate size, compact form and dull colors. 



Type. Charadrius montanus Towns. 



In general form this genus approaches somewhat JEjialitis, especially that 

 section of which melodus is typical (yEgialeus). But it differs widely in the 

 very short squire tail, long denuded tibia;, very long tarsi, much abbreviated 

 toes, etc. It is possible that some genus already founded upon an exotic type 

 may include montanus, but knowing of none such, I have no other alternative 

 than to institute a new name, in separating a heterogeneous element from the 

 genus with which it is usually associated. 



203. Podasocys montanus (Towns.) 



This species has an extensive range quite from the northern boundary of the 

 United^States to the Mexican border, and perhaps much farther each way ; 

 though at the same time it is strictly confined to the western portions of the 

 continent. It is sparingly distributed throughout Arizona. I have constantly 

 met with it from the Rio Grande to the Pacific, in all the regions suitable to 

 its pecultar habits. I believe it is quite confined to dry plains either entirely 

 bare or covered with straggly brush. In its habits it differs as much from 

 most other Charadriinx as does its form ; calling irresistibly to mind the 

 Eremophila cornuta. The stomachs of the specimens examined contained or- 

 thopterous and coleopterous insects. 



* From the Homeric epithet flrcJac e*wc "swift-footed." 



[March, 



