382 ZOOLOGY. 



of the tide, ever busy in quest of minute shell-fish and other snnall marine 

 animals upon which they subsist. 



Several species are found on the Atlantic coast of the United States, of 

 which the rufous sandpiper, Tringa rufescens (pi. 95, fig. 4), and the 

 pigmy sandpiper (T. minuta), are good examples. Others inhabit the small 

 lakes and the borders of small streams, such as Bartram's sandpiper 

 {Totanus burtramius), and the spotted sandpiper (T. macularius) . There are 

 several European species, of which the common sandpiper, T. calldris {pi. 94> 

 fig. 8), and the green sandpiper, T. ochropus (pi. 94, fig. 13), are examples. 



Sub-fatn. 4. Scolopacince, or Snipes. Bill long, straight, rather slender ; 

 wings moderate, pointed ; tail short, rounded ; tarsi long ; toes long, 

 slender. Size larger. 



These birds frequent swampy woods and forests, or open marshes and 

 borders of rivers. The snipe of Europe, Gallinago major (pi. 93, fig. 8), 

 and the grey snipe of the United States (6r. wilsoni), are good examples of 

 this group. 



The woodcocks belong here. There are two species only, one of which, 

 Scolopax rusticola, is diffused throughout the old world, while its relative, 

 the American woodcock (S. minor), is restricted to North America. Both are 

 in much request by sportsmen, and in high esteem as delicacies for the table. 



Sub-fam. 5. PhalaropincB, or Phalaropes. Bill rather long, straight, and 

 slender ; wings long, pointed ; tail short ; tarsi short ; toes moderate, and 

 semi-webbed or lobed. Size small: colors handsome. 



The few birds composing this group inhabit the north of both conti- 

 nents. They are usually observed in small parties swimming on the 

 borders of the sea, or of lakes or ponds, which they are enabled to do with 

 great facility, by means of their curiously lobed feet. The northern phala- 

 rope (Phalaropus hyperboreus), and Wilson's phalarope (P. wilsoni), are 

 often met with. 



Fam. 4. Palamedeid^. A limited family, comprising a few ti'opical birds 

 remarkable for their very large tarsi and feet, and otherwise singular forms. 



Sub-fam. 1. PalamedeincB, or Screamers. Bill short, curved, wings 

 lengthened, with the shoulders furnished with spurs ; tail moderate, tarsi 

 long, very robust ; toes lengthened. Size large. 



The birds of this group are peculiar to South and Central America, 

 frequenting marshes and the borders of lakes and rivers. They are said to 

 have very discordant voices. The horned screamer, Palamedea cornuta 

 (pi. 95, fig. 2), a common species, has a singular projecting, horn-like 

 protuberance from its forehead, and its wings armed with curved, acute 

 spurs, which it is said to use defensively with great readiness. 



Sub fam. 2. ParrincB, or Jacanas. Bill long, slender, straight ; wings 

 long, pointed ; tail short ; tarsi long, slender ; toes very long, slender ; 

 shoulders armed with spurs. Size small. 



These singularly footed birds are found in the warmer parts of the world. 



The extraordinary length of their toes and claws enables them to walk over 



the plants that float on the surface of the water while seeking their food, 



which consists principally of aquatic insects. The chestnut-colored jacana 



586 



