318 PRATINCOLES. 



towards the point, and bending for half its 

 length ; nostrils basal, oval, oblique, partially 

 protected above with a membrane ; wings very 

 long, pointed, first quill longest, or equal to 

 to the second ; tail forked ; legs rather short, 

 a short bare space above the tarsal joint ; feet 

 lengthened and slender, outer toes connected 

 by a membrane ; hallux of middle length, ar- 

 ticulated on the tarsus ; claws long, dilated at 

 the base, that of the middle toe pectinated. 



Types, G. torquata, lactea, &c. Europe, Asia, 

 Africa. 



Note. Habits partially aquatic ; food insecti- 

 vorous ; taken both on the ground and on 

 the wing ; " breeds on the ground, eggs four/* 

 * Yarrell. 



