KEY TO FAMILIES. — WATER BIRDS. Ig) 
Section 2. Hind toe, on level with front toes. 
Tonornis martinica, 
Toes, long and slender; bill, short and pointed; a bare shield or plate on forehead ; wing, 
about 7 inches long, carpus (bend of wing) to tip; under tail coverts, white. 
Family RALLIDAE, Subfamily GALLINULINA:. 
Purple Gallinule, or Florida Gallinule. 
See page 100. 
Bill, nearly straight and sharply pointed ; inner side of middle toe nail, with distinct comb- 
like edge; toes, four, all on same level. Bitterns, tail with ten feathers. Herons, tail with 
twelve feathers. Family ARDEIDA:. Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns. 
See page 89. 
