254 



GRALL^E. 



periodical migrations, and are thus widely distri- 

 buted over the globe. 

 They commonly stretch 

 out their long legs be- 

 hind the body during 

 flight, thus maintain- 

 ing their balance, which 

 otherwise, from the ex- 

 treme shortness of their 

 tails, might be difficult. 

 Those genera which are 

 most aquatic place their 

 nests among the reeds 

 and herbage of marshy 

 places, or, as the Herons, 

 build in society on trees ; 

 those which frequent dry 

 and stony places, fre- 

 quently lay their eggs 

 on the bare ground, or 

 content themselves with 

 such protection as a tuft 

 of grass may afford. 

 The eggs are usually 

 marked with spots on 

 a coloured ground ; they 

 are commonly of a length- 

 ened form, with one end 

 much pointed. 



The Order is very 

 extensive, and comprises 

 the following five Fa- 

 milies : Charadriadce 9 Ardeadce, Scolopacidce, 

 Palamedeadce, and Rallidce. 



HEAD OP SNZPE. 



