MANUAL OF NATUKAL HISTOKY. 47 



elevated and curved towards tip, nostrils 

 placed in a long groove, covered by a scale ; 

 lower part of tibiae sometimes bare; tarsi 

 generally lengthened, covered in front with 

 transverse scales; hind toe generally want- 

 ing, when present short and elevated ; back 

 much arched; tail very short. 



8. FAMILY. Tringoid-Grouse (Thinocoridse). Bill 



short, rather broad at base, compressed to 

 tip, culmen curved to tip; nostrils fleshy; 

 wings long and pointed; tail short, rather 

 broad and rounded; tarsi short, strong, and 

 covered in front with transverse scales, or 

 wholly with reticulated scales, hind toe very 

 short. 



9. YAMiLY.Sheathbills (Chionidse). Bill rather 



short, strong, compressed, base of upper man- 

 dible invested by a folded horny sheath 

 covering nostrils; orbits partly encircled by 

 a warty skin; wings rather long; tail of mo- 

 derate length and even; tarsi very strong 

 and covered with small rough scales. 



10. FAMILY. Tinamous (Tinamidse). Bill rather 



lengthened, not stout, slightly curved, some- 

 what depressed at base, which is covered by 

 a membrane, frontal feathers sometimes ad- 

 vancing to aperture of nostrils; wings short 

 and concave ; tarsi covered in front with 

 large scales; hind toe small or wanting; tail 

 rudimentary. 



