ooi 



PALMTI'KDES 



SUB-FAMILY 11. 



Rhynchopsin-i:. 



The Skimmers. 



Gkx. Charac. — Mandibles uupqual, the upper one always shorter than the 

 lower, which is only received in a narrow groove, their sides suddenly much 

 compressed from the base ; the wings lengthened, acute, and curved at the 

 tip ; the tail moderate and forked; the tarsi rather longer than the middle 

 toe, and covered with transverse scales; the toes moderate, and the anterior 

 partly united hj an indented web. 



Fig. 214. — the black skimmei 

 {Hhyvchops nigra.) 



The Skimmers differ from the true Gulls in tlie 

 form of tlieir bill, wliicli is so remarkable as to dis- 

 tinguish, them at once from all other birds. Their 

 beak is elongated and compressed, so as almost to 

 resemble the blades of a pair of scissors placed one 



^ loyyxof, rhynchos, a hcoJc ; wi^, ops, the face ; Beak-faced. 



