3 1 o SHEA TH- BILLS. 



sists of grass, of plants, of seeds, and sometimes of insects. The 

 nest is said to be placed on the borders of lakes, although the bird 

 itself is an inhabitant of the desert. The female lays from four 

 to five eggs. 



The best-known species is — 



D'Orbigny's Shore Lark {Thinocorus Orbignianus). These birds live 

 in small troops in the valleys between the mountains of Chili, frequenting the 

 most desolate spots, and feeding upon plants, seeds, and insects. They have 

 very much the appearance of small snipes. 



The typical form is — 



Latreille's Shore Lark {Attagis Latreillii). These birds are found in 

 the Falkland Islands and on the lofty mountains of the southern portion of 

 South America, within the region of Alpine plants, or even in places that seem 

 destitute of vegetation. They are usually seen in pairs and small coveys, and 

 when flushed utter loud cries. Their flight resembles that of a grouse : they 

 are very wild, but if suddenly surprised, lie close to the ground for concealment. 



Sub-Family II. 



THE SIIEATII-BILLS PROPER. CHIOMDIX.-E. 



General Characteristics. — Bill short, strong, compressed, with the sides and basal 

 half coated by a homy covering which conceals the nostrils. 



These singular birds are found on the islands of the Antarctic 

 Ocean and at the southern extremity of South America. Their 

 flight resembles that of pigeons. They frequent the shores, search- 

 ing for food, which consists of shell-fish, chiefly limpets, seaweeds, 

 and the remains of animals cast up by the sea, usually mixed 

 up with a few small stones. These birds have been observed by 

 southern voyagers in the open ocean at a great distance from the 

 land, where they arc supposed to rest and feed upon the seaweed 

 and other refuse cast on the icebergs. The Sheath-bills are so 

 called on account of the remarkable sheath of horny substance 

 which is situated on the base of the bill, and under which lie the 

 nostrils. The use of this appendage is unknown. The whole of 

 the bill is short and stout, and it is considerably arched towards 

 the tip. 



The typical, and also one of the best-known, species of this 

 group is — 



