XXIV INTRODUCTION. 



Toes short and strong ; the outer toe united at its base to the middle toe, but 

 slightly reversible. Claws moderately long and curved (p. 335). 



Pernis, Citvier. — Bill slender, rather weak, curved from the base, the cutting 

 edges of the upper mandible nearly straight ; cere large ; nostrils elongated, 

 placed obliquely ; lores closely covered with small scale-like feathers. 

 Wings long and large ; the first quill short, the third and fourth the longest ; 

 inner webs of the first four deeply notched. Tail long. Tarsus short, half 

 of it plumed, the rest reticulated ; toes of moderate length and strength ; 

 claws slender and only slightly curved (p. 339). 



Palco, Liniucits. — Bill short, curved from its base ; a strong projecting tooth on 

 each cutting edge of the upper mandible. Wings long and pointed ; the 

 first and third quills of equal length, the second longest. Tarsus short, 

 robust, reticulated ; toes long, strong, armed with curved and sharp claws 

 (P- 341)- 



Pandion, Savigny. — Bill short, strong, rounded and broad ; cutting edges nearly 

 straight. Nostrils oblong-oval, oblique. Wings long, second and third 

 quills longest. Legs strong and muscular ; tarsus short, reticulated. Toes 

 free, nearly equal, the outer toe reversible ; all armed with strong, curved, 

 and sharp claws ; under surface of the toes rough and covered with small 

 pointed scales. Feathers wanting the aftershaft (p. 359). 



Order STEGANOPODES. 



Family PELECANID/E. 



Phai.acrocorax, Brissoii. — Bill moderate or long, straight, compressed, culmen 

 rounded ; upper mandible much curved at the point, hooked ; the base 

 connected with a membrane which extends to the throat. Face and throat 

 naked. Nostrils basal, linear, hidden. Wings moderate, the third quill the 

 longest. Tail of twelve or fourteen stiff and rigid feathers. Legs strong, 

 short, placed far back ; three toes in front, and a hind toe articulated on the 

 inner surface of the tarsus, all four united together by membranes ; claw of 

 the middle toe serrated on the inner edge (p. 361). 



SlTLA, Brisson. — Bill strong, long, forming an elongated cone, very large at its 

 base, compressed towards the point, which is slightly curved ; edges of the 

 mandibles serrated ; angle of the gape behind the line of the eyes. Face 

 and throat naked. Nostrils basal, obliterated. Wings long, first quill the 

 longest. Tail wedge-shape. Legs strong, short, placed rather far back ; 

 three toes in front, and a hind toe articulated to the inner surface of the 

 tarsus, all four united by membranes ; claw of the middle toe pectinated 

 (P- 365). 



Order HERODIONES. 



Family ARDEID.F. 



Ardea, Brisson. — Bill long, strong, straight, compressed in a lengthened cone ; 

 upper mandible slightly grooved on each side ; nostrils lateral, basal, 

 pierced longitudinally in the groove, and half closed by a membrane. Wings 

 moderate, the second quill the longest. Tail of twelve feathers, short, nearly 

 even. Legs long, slender, naked above the tarsal joint ; tarsus scutellated in 



