GRALLiE — PHALAROPODID.E — PHALAROPUS. 267 



Long island," which I was at first disposed to regard either as new or identical with the R. 

 avocetta of Europe. It, however, resembles that just described, in dimensions and in the 

 distribution of the markings, but the colors themselves are different. Instead of the reddish 

 head, neck and breast, these are in some lights apparently white, but, upon a careful exami- 

 nation, are found to be of a light ash-grey. Supposing it to be the winter plumage, and in 

 this state not hitherto described, I have figured it at 227. This is possibly the White Avoset 

 of Nuttall, taken on the Missouri. 



Length, 18-0- 19'0. 



The American Avoset, or Blue-stocking as it is called in New-Jersey, is a scarce bird on 

 the shores of this State. It breeds in New-Jersey, and probably in this State, which it 

 reaches in May, and occurs sparingly until November. It ranges from the tropics to the 68th 

 parallel, and is abundant in the fur countries, appearing through Ohio, Indiana (where it 

 breeds), and Missouri to the Rocky mountains. The eggs are dull olive, with large blotches 

 of dark brown. Its food varies with its place of resort, consisting of insects, crabs, fishes, 

 marine worms, paludinas and other shells. 



FAMILY PHALAROPODID^E. 



Bill moderate, straight : both mandibles furrowed to their base ; upper one somewhat curved 

 at the point. Nostrils in the furrow, basal, half covered by a membrane, oval or linear. 

 Feet moderate, four-toed. Tibia partly naked. Toes four, moderate, slender, bordered 

 by a lobed membrane ; the outer connected at the base to the middle one by a membrane. 

 Wings long and pointed. Tail moderate or short. 



Obs. This family, forming the Hygrobatce, Pinnatipedes, Phalaropodidce and Lobipedes 

 of Bonaparte, Uliger and others, forms a natural passage to the next order. It comprises at 

 present not more than three specific forms, but varies so much with sex and season as to 

 have given rise to many more nominal species. 



GENUS PHALAROPUS. Cuvier. Bonaparte. 



Bill moderate, robust, much depressed throughout, trigonal at base, dilated towards the 

 pointed extremity. Nostrils basal, oval, surrounded by a membrane. Tarsi short and 

 stout, scarcely compressed. Middle toe united with the outer by a membrane, to the 

 second, and with the inner to the first joint. Hind toe short, scarcely touching the ground. 

 Tail rather long. 



34* 



