AVES. 379 



Sub-fam.4. Hccmnlopincß, or Oysler-calchers. Bill long, strong, and much 

 compressed; wings long, pointed; tarsi and feet very robust; tail short; 

 size larger; colors mostly black and white. 



The species of this sub-family are distributed in most parts of the world. 

 They live on the sea-shores, subsisting on the animals of sea-shells, which 

 they obtain by inserting their compressed wedge-like bills between the 

 valves. They build on the bare sands, or in such scanty herbage as may 

 be found growing near the reach of high water. The best known species 

 are the European oyster-catcher (Hcematopus ostralegus), and the American 

 oyster-catcher (H. palliatus). The latter is frequently met with on the 

 shores of the Atlantic. 



Sub-fam. 5. CincUncB, or Turnstones. Bill short, straight, and rather 

 acute; wings long ; tail short ; tarsi rather short; toes long. Size small; 

 colors mostly red, and black and white. 



Four or five curious little birds are arranged here. They frequent the 

 sea-shores of all parts of the world, feeding entirely on such shell-fish and 

 other small animals as are thrown up by the waves, and are said to turn 

 over small stones in quest of insects with much dexterity. The common 

 turnstone, Cinclus interpras [pi. Q5,ßg. 7), is abundant in Europe, while the 

 American species (C melanocephalus) is quite as abundant in America. 



Fam. 2. Ardeid^. Another large family, containing the cranes, herons, 

 storks, and ibises. They inhabit every country of the world, and may 

 generally be readily distinguished by their long necks and legs, and attenu- 

 ated general appearance. They are mostly birds of large size. 



Sub-fatn. 1. PsophincB, or Trumpeters. Bill moderate, rather short ; wings 

 and tail short ; tarsi long ; feet moderate. Size large ; color dark. 



The trumpeters, so called from their loud notes, inhabit South America, 

 where they are found in damp or marshy places in the forests. They seem 

 to partake somewhat of the character of gallinaceous birds, and some species 

 have very handsome plumage. The common trumpeter {Psophia crepitans) 

 is frequently seen in collections. 



Sub-fam. 2. Gruincs, or Cranes. Bill long, straight, strong ; wings rather 

 long, with the tertial quills lengthened and pendent ; tail short, pendent ; 

 tarsi very long, slender. Size large ; colors plain. 



The cranes are large birds, usually partial to marshes or swamps, though 

 frequently seen on dry plains. They regularly migrate to the warmer 

 regions during autumn and winter, and in summer return to the north. 

 Their flights are performed during the night in large flocks, under the 

 direction of a leader, and at such a great elevation that they are invisible to 

 the naked eye, though their loud cries may be distinctly heard. Their nests 

 are usually made amongst the herbage of marshy places, and are raised above 

 the surface of the ground, sometimes to the height of the body when stand- 

 ing. The crane of Europe, Grus cinerea (pi. 93, ßg. 3), and the American 

 hooping crane (G. americana), are examples of these birds. 



The crowned crane, Balearica pavonina {pi. 94:, fig. 4), is an African 

 species. 



Sub-fam. 4. ArdeincB, or Herons. Bill long, acute, much compressed ; 



583 



