152 THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



Economic Qualities. — ^They are good to eat, at any 



rate at times. 

 Captivity. — They live well, but are seldom to be seen 



in this state ; they have never been bred, though 



one {Chionis alba) has several times been kept at 



the London Zoological Gardens. 

 Distribution and Species. — ^The shores and islands 



of the South Atlantic. There are only three species, 



called " Sore-eyed Pigeons " and " Paddy-birds " 



by the whalers; 



Shore-birds (Chayadriidce). 



Diagnosis. — Ground-birds of moderate or small size, 

 with hind-toe very small or absent, and corner of 

 mouth below forehead. 



Size. — From that of a pheasant to that of a sparrow. 



Form. — Bill with corner of mouth far forward, level 

 with forehead, and never very stout, but other- 

 wise very variable, sometimes short and pigeon- 

 like, sometimes long, and with a varying curva- 

 ture ; feet with usually rather long shanks, and 

 legs usually bare above the hock ; three front toes, 

 often more or less webbed ; hind-toe always small 

 and useless, often wanting ; wings moderate, 

 pointed or rounded, with tertiary quills often 

 long ; spurred on the pinion-joint in some Lap- 

 wings ; tail short. Head large in Plovers, smaller 

 in other groups. 



Plumage and Colouration. — Colouring seldom bril- 

 liant, usually drab or brown, sometimes streaked 

 or spotted above, and white below. Seldom 

 a sex-difference, but usually a more or less marked 

 seasonal change. Females sometimes brighter and 

 often larger than males. Young usually with a 

 distinct plumage, but not a very striking one. 



