RECURVIROSTItA. AVOSET. 305 



nected by webs, which are very deeply emarginate, but run 

 to the end ; claws very small, almost straight, compressed, 

 tapering, obtuse. 



Plumage very soft and blended ; wings long, rather nar- 

 row, pointed ; the first quill longest ; the primaries tapering, 

 rapidly graduated ; the secondaries broad, incurved, the inner 

 elongated and tapering ; tail short, nearly even, of twelve 

 rather narrow feathers. 



Of the very few species belonging to this genus one 

 occurs in Europe, and is sometimes met with in England. 

 They resemble the Totani in their habits, but are more 

 addicted to wading, and are occasionally seen to swim. The 

 American species is described by Mr. Audubon as searching 

 the soft mud with a lateral wriggling motion of the head, in 

 the manner of the Spoonbill. The eggs are four, pyriform, 

 and spotted. 



By overlooking the structure of these birds, some authors 

 have entirely misplaced them in their systems. They are 

 evidently most closely allied to the Himantopi, Totani, and 

 other genera of that group. 



