MEGAPODIIDE. 9 
j?. Toes three in front, one behind; rarely two in front and 
one behind, then the tail soft; or rarely four toes turned 
forward and arranged in pairs. 
k*, Claw of hind toe shorter than that of third toe; feet 
weak, or feet strong and two toes united for their 
Basel) JOU 2 =e Ree Coraciiformes (p. 295) 
k*. Claw of hind toe equal to or longer than that of middle 
toe. 
l. Outer and middle toes united for their basal joint; bill 
broad; eye surrounded by a fleshy wattle; tail 
pradiiabedssee wer eee res Eurylemiformes (p. 410) 
. Outer and middle toes not united; toes four in number ; 
rectrices twelve with rare exceptions; bill variable 
in shape, never extensively membranous, softly 
humids nor cered- Passeriformes (p. 413) 
Order GALLIFORMES. 
MEGAPODES, PAINTED QUAIL, AND PHEASANTS. 
Bill short and stout, culmen curved; head small; body heavy; wings 
short and rounded, curved to the body; tail either very short or greatly 
elongated; legs moderate to heavy; claws well developed; toes four, 
slightly webbed at base. Members of this order are terrestrial; their 
flight is strong and swift but can not be sustained for a long distance. 
Their food consists of grain, seeds, and insects. The nest is usually a 
shght hollow in the ground, hidden by grass or brush; the megapodes, 
however, bury their eggs in mounds. 
Suborders. 
a’. Hind toe on a level with the other toes; feet and claws very heavy; colors 
plain. the: sexes), similar) im color. -0:22:...) se ee ek ee Megapodii (p. 9) 
a’. Hind toe slightly elevated; feet and claws moderate in size; sexes very 
different in‘color; males much brighter... 22.2 Phasiani (p. 11) 
Suborder MEGAPODII. 
Family MEGAPODIIDA. 
Nostrils oval, situated near anterior border of surrounding membrane ; 
bill moderate, culmen curved; orbital area nearly naked; ear-opening 
small; chin, throat, and face scantily feathered with short plumes, the 
skin usually red or dusky; legs, feet, and claws very large and powerful ; 
claws slightly curved and usually blunt; anterior face of tarsus bearing 
a row of large scutes; rectrices short, exceeding coverts but little; sexes 
alike. 
