LONG-LEGGED PLOVERS, OR STILTS. 7 



its base, and compressed at the point ; the mandibles are also chan- 

 nelled laterally for about half their length. The nostrils lateral, 

 linear, and long. Feet very long and slender ; the 3 toes directed 

 forward ; the middle toe united to the outer one by a wide membrane, 

 and to the interior toe by a minute rudiment only ; the cimcs very 

 small, and flat. Whigs very long, the 1st quill extending far beyond 

 the rest. 



The Stilts have a greater predilection for the borders of the sea 

 and saline lakes, than for the banks of rivers and fresh waters. They 

 fly with great rapidity, but when running appear to stagger in bal- 

 ancing their long legs. Their food consists of small worms, flies, 

 minute shell-fish, and marine insects. The species are very few, 

 and spread over Europe, Asia, and America, but they are no where 

 numerous. They associate and breed in small flocks, and from 

 the unusual length of their legs, are, like the Flamingo, obliged 

 apparently to hatch their eggs in a standing or equitant posture. The 

 moult is believed to be double. 



