46 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 



FIG. 22. 



Order Vlll. Paludicolae. CRANES, RAILS, etc. 



Toes four ; middle toe without a comb, generally not webbed ; hind toe 

 generally small, higher than the front ones, or, if on the same level (Gal- 

 linules and Coots only), the bill is then comparatively short and stout 

 and the forehead has a bare shield; lores feathered, or (Cranes) with 

 hairlike bristles. 



FIG. 24. 



A. Smaller, bill under 3-00. . . . Family Rallidce : RAILS, GALLINULES, 

 and COOTS (Fig. 22), p. 139. 



B. Larger, bill over 3'00. 



a. Tarsus over 6-00. . . . Family Gruidce : CRANES (Fig. 23), p. 137. 



b. Tarsus under 6-00. . . . Family Aramidce: COURLANS (Fig. 24), 

 p. 138. 



