The Genera of North American Birds, and a Synopsis 

 of the Species found within the territory of the United 

 States ; systematically arranged in Orders and Families. 

 By Charles Lucian Bonaparte. Read January 24, 1820. 



(Continued from pace 128.) 



ORDER IV. GRALLJG. 



Grallce, L. Cuv. Latr. Grallce, Gallince, Gm. Gralla, 

 Gallince, Struthiones, Pinnatipedes, Palmipedes, Lath. Cur- 

 sores, Grallatores, 111. Grallatores, Vieill. Alectorides, Cur- 

 sores, Grallatores, Pinnatipedes, Temm. Grallce, Ratitce, 

 Ranz. Grallatores, Rasores, Vigors. 



Bill generally elongated, sub-cylindrical. Feet elonga- 

 ted or moderate, covered by a tender, coriaceous skin ; tibiae 

 but partially fleshy, partly naked (subgenera Rusticola and 

 Ardeola excepted*) ; tarsi generally slender, rounded, naked, 

 reticulated or annulated ; toes disposed 2-0, 3-0, 3-1, either 

 divided, or connected at base by a membrane : nails in no de- 

 gree retractile. Neck generally long ; body compressed ; 

 skin very thin. Wings generally long, though occasionally 

 too short for flight ; scapulars elongated. Tail short, of from 

 ten to twenty feathers, very rarely wanting. 



Female generally similar to the male in plumage. Young 

 generally differing for a time from the adult, with the joints 

 thicker. Some moult twice a year, changing their plumage 

 periodically. But few distinguished by brilliant colors. 



* Even in these the character is somewhat preserved hy the articulation 

 being exposed. 



Vol. H. 37 



