294 Synopsis of the Birds 



Sad, shy, cunning. Live on the ground, especially 

 along waters, and in marshy places, wading by means of their 

 long legs. Mostly semi-nocturnal. Feed on insects and 

 worms, which they seek in the mud ; the larger species also 

 on fishes, and reptiles ; a few on weeds and seeds. In breeding 

 various, but only once in the year : the polygamous species 

 build on the ground, and often leave the hatching of their 

 eggs in part to the sun ; their young running about as soon as 

 hatched, and searching for food under the eye of the 

 mother only : while the monogamous build generally on 

 high trees, and feed their young in the nest until full-fledged. 

 Flight swift, long sustained, the feet stretched out behind. 

 Migrate in large flocks periodically to great distances, cros- 

 sing seas in search of warmer climates, even different species 

 together, but the young and adult always separately; the 

 latter departing first, and arriving last. Voice harsh, loud, 

 tuneless. Flesh sapid ; some species ranked among the most 

 valuable game. Analogous to Belluae.* 



FAMILY XVII. PRESSIROSTRES. 



Pressirostres, Longirostres, Cuv. Latr. Campestres, IaUo- 

 rales, Limicola, 111. Pedionomi, JEgialites, Hehonomi, 

 Vieill. Tachidromi, Limose, Ranz. Charadriadce., Vigors. 



Bill short or moderate, compressed. Neck moderate. 

 Feet rather short ; toes short, 3 — 0, 3 — 1 ; hind toe when 

 present articulated higher on the tarsus than the rest, very 

 short : nails small. Wings moderate or long. 



Prefer dry places, sandy beaches, he Run and fly swiftly. 

 Feed principally on insects, mollusca, and other marine ani- 

 mals. Monogamous : lay on the ground : both sexes sit 

 alternately on the eggs : young leave the nest as soon as 

 hatched. 



* We think them analogous to Bellua?, though Linne states them to be 

 analogous to his Bruta. 



