Oedee LIMICOL^. 

 pr^cocial grallatoees. 



Chak. PicEcocial wading birds, usually of small size, distinguished from the 

 Aledorides (Cranes and Bails) by their lengthened, usually pointed, wings, small 

 or rudimentary hind toe, or the latter member entirely wanting. 



The very numerous species which together make up this group vary to such great 

 extremes in the details of structure, that the above characters appear the most promi- 

 nent ones which, in a comprehensive sense, distinguish the Limicolce from the Alec- 

 torides. It is quite likely, however, that when their internal structure shall have 

 been more extensively studied, more positive characters may be discovered for the 

 trenchant separation of these two " Orders/' 



It is equally dithcult to determine the exact number of Families into which the 

 Limicolce should be divided. It has beeu customary to allow five — namely, Hcemato- 

 podidce (including Stre20silas), Charadriidce (including Aj^hriza and Anarhynchus), 

 Remirvirostridce, Phalaropodidce, and Scolopacidce. As to the three latter families, 

 this division appears perfectly natural ; but close study of the first two makes evident 

 the necessity of their sharper definition, by the elimination of certain forms which 

 appear too specialized, or which cannot be conveniently brought within the terms 

 diagnosing either family. Notable examples are Streiisilas, usually associated with 

 Hcematojyus, but which differs in numerous essential particulars ; Aphriza, which 

 resembles Strepjsilas in most respects except the bill, which is like that of the true 

 Plovers ; AnarhyncJius,^ a very peculiar form, having the bill curved sideways, the 

 other characters being Charadrine ; and QtJdicnemus, very large Plover-like birds, 

 somewhat resembling the Bustards. The last-named genus has latterly been raised to 

 family rank by Messrs. Sclater and Salvin ; and it seems equally entitled with Hcemat- 

 ojnis to such a position. So, also, appear Strepsilas and Anarhynchus, the only alter- 

 native being to consider all, including Hwniafopus, of merely sub-family rank. 



The following is an attempt to define the principal groups of Limicoloi according 

 to their external structure. 



A. Bill much longer tlian the tarsus, excessively compressed, deepest through the middle portion. 

 Haematopodidee. Xo hind toe ; a well-developed web between outer and middle toes at 



the base ; front of tarsus covered with hexagonal scales. Size very large. 



B. Bill about equal to or shorter than the tarsus, moderately compressed, deepest through the 



base. 

 Strepsilidae. A well-developed hind-toe, with a claw ; no trace of web between outer and 

 middle toes ; front of tarsus covered by a row of transverse scutellse. Size small. 



C. Bill variable, but never longer than the tarsus ; more or less depressed in the middle portion ; 



the terminal portion of the culmen being more or less arched ; never expanded laterally 

 at the eud. Hind toe usually absent. 



1 Cf. "The Ibis," 1869, pp. 304-310, pl.viii. 



