IV PREFACE. 



Part VIII (the present volume) contains the Charadriifomies 

 (Plover-like Birds), with Families Jacanidae (Jacanas), QEdicnemidae 

 (Thick-knees), Haematopodidte (Oyster-catchers), Arenariidsp (Turn- 

 stones), Aphrizidse (Surf Birds), Charadriida? (Plovers), Scolopacidse 

 (Snipes, Sandpipers, etc.), Phalaropodidse (Phalaropes), Recurviros- 

 tridffi (Avocets and Stilts), Rynchopidse (Skimmers), Stemidse 

 (Terns), Larida? (Gulls), Stercorariidse (Skuas and Jaegers), and 

 Alcidse (Auks). 



Part IX, now in course of preparation, will contain the Gruiformes 

 with Families Heliornithid?e (Sun Grebes), Eurypygidse (SunBitterns), 

 Gruidse (Cranes), Aramida? (Limpkins), and Rallidae (Rails, Galli- 

 nules, and Coots); Galliformes, with Families Gallidse (Pheasants), 

 Perdicidfe (Partridges and Quails), Numidida^ (Gumea fowls), 

 Meleagridjie (Turkeys), Odontophoridae (American Partridges), Tetra- 

 onidae (Grouse), and Cracidse (Curassdws and Guans)';' Falconii- 

 formes, with Families Polyboridse (Caracaras), Herpetotheridse 

 (Laughing Falcons), Micrasturidse (Hawk-Falcons), Falconidse (Fal- 

 cons), Buteonidae (Hawks and Eagles), and Cathartidae (American 

 Vultures) . 



In the eight volumes thus far published have been treated in detail 

 (that is, with full descriptions and synonymies), besides the Families 

 above mentioned and higher groups to which they belong, 651 genera 

 and 2,507 species and subspecies, besides 213 extralimital genera and 

 602 extralimital species and subspecies whose principal characters 

 are given in the Keys and their principal synomymy (full synomynny 

 in case of the genera) given in footnotes. 



Certain subspecies (mostly among the Limicolse) recognized by 

 other authors have not been admitted in the present work. This 

 does not necessarily mean that they are not worthy of recognition, 

 but that the material examined (usually wholly inadequate for de- 

 termination of the question) did not warrant subdivision of the species. 



Acknowledgments are due for the loan of specimens needed in the 

 preparation of the present volume to the authorities of the Academy 

 of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia; American Museum of Natural 

 History, New York; Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh; Field Museum of 

 Natural History, Chicago; Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cam- 

 bridge; and to Mr. William Brewster.^ 



I Specimens borrowed for use in the preparation of this volume are as follows: 



Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia 37 



American Museum o f Natural History 192 



Carnegie Museum 161 



Field Museum o f Natura 1 History 64 



Museum of Comi^arative Zoology 214 



William Brewster 35 



Total 703 



LimicolEC 442 



Lari 161 



Alcae 100 



