GRALLATOKES. 251 



Family LIMOSID^, 



The birds of this family range between the Snipes {Scolo- 

 jjcicidcB) and the Sandpipers [Trin^ida). They are large and 

 povverfid in form, and differ considerably from both the 

 groups mentioned. 



Genus LIMOSA, Brisson. 



Two very distinct species of this genus inhabit Australia, 

 one the southern and the other the northern divisions of the 

 country; others occur in India, Africa, Europe, and North 

 America. 



Sp. 520. LIMOSA MELANUROIDES, Gould. 



Black-tailed Godwit. 



Limosa melanuro'ides, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc, part xiv. p. 84, 

 Mun-doore-git, Aborigines of Port Essington. 



Limosa melanuroides, Gould, Birds of Australia, foL, vol. vi. pi. 28. 



On comparison the Limosa melanuroides will be found of 

 much smaller size than the European species, and to exhibit 

 other differences which, although but slight, fully satisfy me 

 that it is distinct : it is one of the many novelties which 

 rewarded Gilbert's researches in the neighbourhood of Port 

 Essington, and who states that it inhabits shallow muddy 

 swamps and lakes, and that he usually met with it in tolerably 

 large flocks ; he also adds that its stomach was extremely 

 muscular, and that its food consists of aquatic insects of 

 various kinds. 



In its habits, actions, and general economy it doubtless closely 

 resembles its European ally, and, in all probability, undergoes 

 similar changes of plumage, the dull colouring of winter 

 giving place to a rufous thit in summer. 



