I'.IKI) (. ALLIK V. 



Section B. C'ARINAT.E. Caiuxate Birds. 



jVU existing birds wliicli do not belong to tlie Ha/itte are included in 

 one great division — the ('(iriitatte — eliaraeterizcd by tlie fact that the 

 pterygoid bone articulates with the palatine by means of a joint. The 

 vomer is much reduced or absent. 



lu some few birds belonging to several different subdivisions of this 

 great group the keel of the breast-l)one is extremely reduced in size, 

 and the power of flight is almost or entirely lost, as is tlie case in the 

 llightless Jxatitie. 



Till' Llivision of the Cariiiattf into (jrders and familieSj and the mutual 

 relations of these groups to one another, arc subjects of great difficulty 

 upon w Inch zoologists are by no means as yet agreed. Tlie classification 

 a(lo2)ted in this gallery, which represents the general result of much 

 recent work, must therefore be looked upon as provisional. 



'J'hirty-one Orders arc recognized in this scheme. 



Order I. GALLIFOKMES. Game-Bikus. 



This order is composed of the great bidk of the species commonly 

 known as " (iame "-Birds. Ncai'ly lUO different kinds are known, 

 forming a well-defined gron|). 



Tin' bill is short and stout, the upper uiauddjle being ari'hed anil 

 overhanging the lower mandible. The body is well-built and robust, 

 the great development of the pectoral muscles giving these birds a well- 

 fed, sturdy appearance. The legs and toes are fairly long and strong 

 and well adapted for walking and rnnning, and the latter are provided 

 witli stout curved claws, suitable for scratching and digging np roots, 

 insects, and other food. The hind toe is always present, btit varies in 

 size and position. 



The feathers covering the body arc provided with a well-developed 

 aftcrshaft. 



The young when hatched arc covered with soft, beautifully patterned 

 down (except in the JMegapodes, lui/c infra), iuid arc able to run within 

 a few hours of the time they emerge from the shell. The eggs, especially 

 of the smaller species, are often numerous, and, when spotted, have only 

 a single set of surface-marks, which arc easily removed, none of the 

 pale underlying sj>ots characteristic of the Sand-Grouse, Hcmipodes, 

 and Wading-birds being Ibiiiid. 



Two Suborder* are recognized. 



