VERTEBRATA. 



261 



The Rails, Coots, Water-hens, and Jacanas form a 

 group called Macrodactylce, because the claws are very 

 long. They are four in number, and lobed. The beak 

 is somewhat cuneiform, and the tail is very short. 



The Cultirostres, with elongated forcep-like bills for 

 fishing, include the Cranes, Herons, (Fig. 157,) Stilts, 



FIG. 157. Heron. 



Ibis, and Spoonbills. The legs are very long, and not 

 covered with feathers. 



The Longirostres, or Long-beaks, possess long and 

 sensitive beaks, grooved by nostrils. The legs are of 

 moderate length. They are insectivorous. The group 

 comprises the Snipes, Woodcocks, Sandpipers, Curlews, 

 Ruffs, and Godwits. 



The Plovers, Lapwings, Bustards, Longshanks, and 

 Oyster-catchers form the Pressirostres. All possess a 



