ZOOLOGY. 115 



sea, or salt-water inlets, and deposit their eggs at the ex- 

 tremity ; and some lay on ridges of rocks overhanging the 

 sea ; the eggs of most kinds are strong and rank tasted ; 

 but are often eaten ; as likewise the young of several species. 

 The order contains seventeen genera. 



1. Recurvirostra. Avocet. JBtVnong, slender, curving up- 



wards, and tapering to the tip ; nostrils narroWj per- 

 vious ; tongue short, entire ; legs long ; feet palmated, 

 with the webs deeply indented between the toes ; hind 

 toe small, separate. 



This very curious genus resides in the vicinity of the sea, 

 or on the banks of large rivers, feeds on aquatic worms and 

 insects ; does not swim, but if by accident they get into 

 deep water, they float with the current, without any exertion 

 to extricate themselves ; their eggs are considered as delica- 

 cies, and the flesh of the young bird has the preference over 

 most of its congeners. British Ortiithologj/, vol. 1. 



2. Corrira. Courier. Bill short, strait, entire ; legs and 



thighs \ong', three /ron< toes webbed^ /wnrf toe small, 

 distinct. 



The only species of this genus inhabits Italy, and the 

 South of Europe ; runs swiftly, and in manners assimilates 

 with the preceding genus. 



3. Phccnicopteros. Flamingo. Bill bare at the base, 



toothedj bent in the middle as if broken j nostrils linear, 



I 2 



