SYLBEOCYCLUS. DABCHICK 275 



directed downwards, and separated by a gi-oove ; the sides 

 with broad scutella. Tlie liind toe small, elevated, broadly 

 margined; the anterior toes long, obliquely flattened, the 

 outer longest, all with stiffish lateral expansions, marked 

 above with oblique parallel lines, and connected at the base 

 by webs. Claws small, depressed, oblong, the third ex- 

 panded, and pectinato-serrate at the end. 



Plumage very soft and blended, on the lower parts 

 silky, on the neck and hind part of the back almost downy ; 

 the scapulars very long and decurved ; the filaments of all 

 the feathers free. Wings small, narrow, convex ; primaries 

 eleven, small, the outer two longest ; secondaries short and 

 rounded. Tail a slight tuft of minute downy feathers. 



