CHARADRIID.E. 



435 



SUB-FAMILY V. 

 H.^MATOPODiN.E.* The Oyster-catchers. 



Gen. Chabac. — Bill lengthened, strong, and with the apical half much com- 

 pressed to the tip, which is obtuse ; the nostrils linear, and placed in a 

 membranous lateral groove ; the wings long and pointed ; the tail moderate ; 

 the tarsi robust, and covered with small scales ; the toes three, the lateral 

 toes united at the base by a membrane, especially the outer one ; the claws 

 strong, broad, and curved. 



Fig. 174.— the oysTEH-CATCHEE. 

 {Hcematopus ostralegus.) 



The Oyster-catcliers frequent rocky promontories, 

 or ttie broad banks of mud, sand, and ooze wliich 

 stretcli out into the sea from low portions of the 

 coast. Here they feed on mussels and other bivalves, 



* al/ia, a't[.iaTog, haema, haematos, hlood ; ttovq, irocog, pous, 

 podos, afoot; Ked-footed. 



