310 



THICK-KNEES. 



OUR next bird, the only British representation of 

 the genus (Edicnemus, serves as the connecting chain 

 between the Grallatores and Rasores by means of 

 the Bustards, to which its members approach very 

 nearly in habits, form, structure, and plumage ; but 

 we are not aware whether they undergo any marked 

 sexual change like the Bustards and Plovers. They 

 frequent plains or extensive downs, or the moist fal- 

 low lands in a cultivated country ; and, so far as we 

 know, are not at any season maritime in their habits. 



GEDICNEMUS, Temminck. Generic characters. 

 Bill straight, strong, at the base depressed ; tip 

 slightly bending, compressed ; maxilla angu- 

 lated ; nasal groove wide, covered with a ceral 

 membrane ; nostril medial, pierced in the mem- 

 brane; wings comparatively short, somewhat 

 rounded, second quill longest ; tail cuneated ; 

 legs rather long ; tibige bare above the tarsal 

 joint; feet with three toes, connected by a mem- 

 brane, which fringes their edges, cursorial. 



Type, (E. crepitans. Europe, Asia, Africa, New 

 Holland. 



Note. Habits not maritime ; partially nocturnal ; 

 no decided seasonal change. 



