CHARADRIID.E. 



429 



SUB-FAMILY II. 



Cliisorin.e * 



The Covrseo-s. 



Gen. Charac— Bill moderate, slender, with the base of the culmen weak and 

 somewhat eultrated above the nostrils, beyond which it is slightly arched to 

 the tip; the nostrils lateral, placed in a short subtriangular membranous 

 groove, with the opening longitudinal and exposed ; the wings lengthened 

 and pointed ; the tail short ; and the legs lengthened, scutellated in front 

 and behind, and with only three slender toes in front. 



Fig. 171.— the Gaulish coubsee. 

 {Cursorius Gallicus.) 



Tliese birds are inhabitants of Europe, Asia, and 

 Africa. Tliey are found on sandy deserts or on 

 open, stony, and grassy plains. In sucli places 

 they are generally seen searching for insects and 

 their larv^. Their flight is rapid and powerful ; 

 while on the ground they are able to run with 

 incredible speed. 



* Cursor, a runner. 



u 3 



