OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS. 209 



Genus BARTRAMIA, or Long=tailed Sandpipers. 



Type, BARTRAMIA LONGICAUDA. 



Bartramia, of Lesson (1831). The birds comprising the present genus 

 are characterised by having the tail much graduated, the outermost feathers less 

 than the central ones by as much as the length of the hind toe and claw. The 

 metatarsus is very long, being twice the length of the innermost toe and claw. 

 The bill is short, and slightly swollen near the tip. The tibia is bare of feathers 

 for a considerable distance. The wings are long and pointed ; toes, three in 

 front, and one behind somewhat elevated. 



This genus is composed of a single species, which is distributed over the 

 Nearctic and Neotropical regions, and is an abnormal migrant to the British 

 Islands. 



Unlike so many of the Totani, the Long-tailed Sandpiper is a dweller on plains 

 and uplands, and appears rarely to be seen near water, and to pass the coasts on 

 migration only. Its food, habits, mode of nesting, migrations, etc., are described 

 in the account of this species. 



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