Synopsis of Orders and Families. 



AMERICAN OYSTER-CATCHER, 



Family 29. OYSTER-CATCHERS. H/EMATOPODID^E. 



Toes three, webbed at base; tarsus stout, with rounded scales; bill heavy, com- 

 pressed, and said to be used for opening shells. 



MEXICAN JACANA. 



Family 30. JACANAS. JACANID/E. 



Toes four, with their nails greatly elongated to support the bird while walking on 

 aquatic vegetation; wing, with a sharp spur; bill with fleshy lobes at base and, in some 

 species, on its sides. 



LAND BIRDS. 



Order X. Grouse, Partridges, Bob-Whites, Etc. GALLIN./E. 

 (3 families, 24 species, 25 subspecies.) 



Ground-inhabiting birds of chicken-like form; bill stout, hen-like; wings 

 short and rounded; tail variable; feet strong; hind-toe elevated. Color 

 usually mixed brown, black, and buff, or bluish gray. 



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