333 



TABLE XXV. (See p. 21.) 



ORDER 5. WADERS. TRIBE 4. TENUIROSTRES,* or 

 Slender-billed. 



BY some naturalists, the birds of this Table have been 

 classed amongst the long-billed birds (Longirostres, Cu- 

 VIER) ; but there can be no impropriety in adhering to the 

 arrangement here adopted, as their bills are, without excep- 

 tion, more or less slender and flexible, a character, indeed, 

 more generally applicable than length, as some of them are 

 by no means long-billed. 



There are five genera : 



1. Avosets, 4. Curlews, 



2. Sandpipers, 5. Woodcocks. 



3. Phalaropes, 



Of the first of these birds, the Avosets, there is little to 

 be said, one species only being known in England, and this 

 confines itself almost entirely to the fen-countries, or southern 

 coasts. Its beak is so soft and flexible, that it might be 

 mistaken for two thin pieces of whalebone, turned upwards 



Beak of Avoset. 



considerably for about half its length. It is web-footed, but, 

 as it never swims, the use of the web is supposed to be 

 to support it, as it runs lightly over morasses, or soft muddy 

 spots. 



* As there is a division of Tenuirostral birds in the Passerine Order, 

 this tribe, to avoid confusion, is often designated as Longirostral ; most 

 of the birds composing it having long bills. We have adheredj how- 

 ever, to Dumeril's title. 



