THE BITTERN 



205 



about near the edge of a swamp, and I successfully stalked him. 

 On emerging from behind the rushes which had covered my 

 approach, all I could see was the 'gorse stump' before mentioned. 

 Realising the position, I watched it for several minutes, during 

 which I could detect no movement. But it was the bittern never- 

 theless. Presumably he had heard my approaching footsteps. ' ' 



Order LiMicoLi\:E. 



Bill longer than the head, which has no bare skin. Primaries 

 eleven, the fifth secondary wanting. Legs usually long, the toes 

 partially webbed or not webbed. Hind toe either absent or 

 elevated above the others. 



Key to the Families. 



Nasal grooves not extending beyond half the length of 



the bill. Charadriidffi. 



Nasal grooves extending along the greater part of the 



length of the bill. Scolopacidse- 



Family Charadriidae. 

 Bill short or moderate, often swollen at tip. Hind toe either 

 absent or small and slender. 



Genus Arenaria. 

 Bill not longer than the head. First quill longest. Tarsus as 

 long as the middle toe, reticulated behind, transversely scaled in 

 front. Hind toe present. All parts of the world. 



