Order LIMICOL^. 



PRyECOCIAL GKALLATORES. 



Char. Prtecocial wading birds, usually of small size, distinguished from the 

 Akclorides (Cranes and Hails) by their lengthened, usually pointed, wings, small 

 or rudimentary hind toe, or the latter member entirely wanting. 



The very numerous species whieli together make up this group vary to such great 

 extremes in the details of structure, that the above characters appear the most promi- 

 nent ones which, in a comprehensive sense, distinguish tlie Lhnicohr from tlie Alec- 

 torldi's. It is quite likely, however, that Avhen their internal stnu'ture shall have 

 been more extensively studied, more positive characters may be discovered for the 

 trenchant separation of these two "Orders." 



It is ccpxnlly difficult to determine the exact number of Families into which the 

 Limicolir should be divided. It has been customary to allow five — nanudy, II<rmuto- 

 podidw (including Sfrrpsi/ns), C/KD'adrUdtv (including Ajihrha and Aiitirhijtu'hus), 

 Rcrurrlrosti'kla', rhalampodidw, and ScoloparUla: As to the three latter families, 

 tliis division appears perfectly natural ; but close study of the first two makes evident 

 the necessity of their sharper definition, by the elimination of certain forms which 

 appear too specialized, or which cannot be conveniently brought within the terms 

 diagnosing either family. Notable examples are Strepslhis, u.«ually associated with 

 liivmatopun, but which differs in numerous essential particulars; Aplwixu, which 

 resembles StrepsUas in most respects except the bill, whi(di is like tliat of the true 

 riovers; Anitrhipirhits,^ a very peculiar form, having the bill curved sidewat/s, the 

 other characters being Charadrine; and (Kdirnrmus, very large Plover-like birds, 

 somewhat resembling the JUistards. The last-named genus has latterly been raised to 

 family rank by IMessrs. Sclatcr and Salvin ; and it seems equally entitled with Hwmat- 

 opus to such a position. So, also, appear StrepsUas and Aiutrhi/nrhus, the only alter- 

 native being to consider all, inchuling Hn'miitojmx, of merely sub-family rank. 



The following is an atte^ipt to define the principal groups of Limimlm according 

 to their external structure. 



A> Bill much longer tlian the tarsus, excessively compressed, deepest through the middle portion, 

 Heematopodidee. No hind toe ; a well-developed web Ijetween outer and middle toes at 



the base ; front of tawus covered with hexagonal scales. Size very large. 

 B» Bill about eipial to or shorter than the tai'sus, moderately compressed, deepest through the 



base. 

 StrepailidaB. A well-develojted hind-toe, with a claw ; no trace of web between outer and 



middle toes ; I'ront of tarsus covered by a row of transverse scutelloo. Size small. 

 C. Bill viiriable, but never longer than the tarsus ; more or less depressed in the middle portion ; 



the terminal jtortion of the culmen being more or less arched ; never expanded laterally 



at the end. Hind toe usually absent. 



» Cf. 



"Thp Ibis," 1869, pp. 304-310, pl.viii. 



