CEYLON RAILS, WADERS, GULLS, AND TERNS, 179 
NOTES ON CEYLON RAILS, WADERS, 
GULLS, AND TERNS. 
By W. E. Wait, M.A., M.B.O.U. 
(With two Plates.) 
YOME time ago it was decided to bring out a handbook 
of Ceylon birds, and the work was placed in the hands 
of Mr. Frederick Lewis, F.L.S., Mr. W. A. Cave, and the 
present writer, with Dr. Pearson as editor. As it is anticipated 
that some time may elapse before the whole handbook is 
ready for publication, it is thought desirable to place on 
record the rough draft of such instalments as have been 
completed. The present section deals with the Rails, Waders, 
Gulls, and their allies. 
The classification followed is that of Dr. Blanford in Vol. IV. 
of the series on Birds in the ‘“ Fauna of British India,’ as 
being the standard work on Indian Birds. As is natural, the 
present paper is mainly based on that work and on Legge’s 
“History of the Birds of Ceylon.” I have, however, endeav- 
oured to give as much fresh information as was possible on 
the distribution and nidification in Ceylon of the various 
species. I have also to acknowledge my indebtedness to 
Frank Finn’s ““ How to know the Indian Waders.” 
The descriptions are taken from specimens, partly in the 
Colombo Museum, but mainly from the series in the British 
Museum, and I have to thank Mr. Ogilvie Grant for his 
kindness in granting me access to the latter. 
Lastly, I owe much to Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker for his help 
and encouragement to a beginner in ornithology. 
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