GRALLAE -PHALAR0P0DIDJ5-PHALAROPUS. 
2G7 
Long island,” which I was at first disposed to regard either as new or identical with the R. 
avocetta of Europe. It, however, resembles that just described, in dimensions and in the 
distribution of the markings, but the colors themselves are different. Instead of the reddish 
head, neck and breast, these are in some lights apparently white, but, upon a careful exami¬ 
nation, are found to be of a light ash-grey. Supposing it to be the winter plumage, and in 
this state not hitherto described, I have figured it at 227. This is possibly the White Avoset 
of Nuttall, taken on the Missouri. 
Length, 18‘0-19'0. 
The American Avoset, or Blue-stocking as it is called in New-Jersey, is a scarce bird on 
the shores of this State. It breeds in New-Jersey, and probably in this State, which it 
reaches in May, and occurs sparingly until November. It ranges from the tropics to the 68th 
parallel, and is abundant in the fur countries, appearing through Ohio, Indiana (where it 
breeds), and Missouri to the Rocky mountains. The eggs are dull olive, with large blotches 
of dark brown. Its food varies with its place of resort, consisting of insects, crabs, fishes, 
marine worms, paludinas and other shells. 
FA MIL Y PH ALAR OP ODIDAE. 
Bill moderate, straight: both mandibles furrowed to their base; upper one somewhat curved 
at the point. Nostrils in the furrow, basal, half covered by a membrane, oval or linear. 
Feet moderate, four-toed. Tibia, partly naked. Toes four, moderate, slender, bordered 
by a lobed membrane; the outer connected at the base to the middle one by a membrane. 
Wings long and pointed. Tail moderate or short. 
Obs. This family, forming the Hygrobatae, Pinnatipedes, Phalaropodidce and Lobipedes 
of Bonaparte, Illiger and others, forms a natural passage to the next order. It comprises at 
present not more than three specific forms, but varies so much with sex and season as to 
have given rise to many more nominal species. 
GENUS PHALAROPUS. Cuvier. Bonaparte. 
Bill moderate, robust, much depressed throughout, trigonal at base, dilated towards the 
pointed extremity. Nostrils basal, oval, surrounded by a membrane. Tarsi short and 
stout, scarcely compressed. Middle toe united with the outer by a membrane, to the 
second, and with the inner to the first joint. Hind toe short, scarcely touching the ground. 
Tail rather long. 
34' 
