266 THE GAME BIEDS AND WILD FOWL 



Genus LIMONITES, or Stints. 



Type, LIMONITES MINUTA. 



Limonites, of Kaup (1829). The birds comprising the present genus are 

 characterised by having the culmen and metatarsus equal in length, but the 

 latter is no more than about equal to the middle toe and claw combined, and also 

 by having a hind toe. The wings are long and pointed. The nostrils are lateral 

 and situated in a groove. The tibia just above the metatarsal joint is devoid of 

 feathers. 



This genus is composed of five species, distributed over the northern portions 

 of the Palsearctic and Nearctic regions (Arctogaean realm) in summer, and the 

 Neotropical, Ethiopian, Oriental, and Australian regions (Primogaean realm) in 

 winter. Three species are visitors to the British Islands, two on spring and 

 autumn passage, and one on abnormal migration. 



The Stints resemble allied species in their habits and general economy. In 

 summer they frequent tundras and open grounds ; in autumn and winter, sea 

 coasts. They are social and gregarious, especially during the non-breeding season. 

 They feed on insects, larvae, worms, crustaceans, mollusks, ground fruits, etc. 

 They are monogamous, making a slight nest upon the ground, and their eggs, 

 four in number, are richly marked with a double class of spots. 



