Oedee LIMICOLiE. 



PR.ECOCIAL GRALLATORES. 



CiiAK. Prcecocial wading birds, usually of small size, distinguished from the 

 Alectoridcs (Cranes and Eails) by their lengthened, usually pointed, wings, small 

 or rudimentary hind toe, or the latter member entii-ely wanting. 



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

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

 nent ones which, in a comprehensive sense, distinguish the Limicokr; from the Alec- 

 torides. It is quite likely, however, that when their internal structure shall have 

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

 trenchant separatiim of these two ''Orders." 



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

 Limicoloe should be divided. It has been customary to allow five — namely, Hcemato- 

 podidce (including StnqtsUas), (JlumidrUtJn: (including Aphriza and Anarhynclms), 

 Recur virostridtp, Tluilaropndhhi', and Scolopacida'. As to the three latter families, 

 this division appears perfectly natiu-al ; 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 Strepsilas, usually associated with 

 Hmmatopus, but which differs in numerous essential particulars ; Aphriza, which 

 resembles Strepsilas in most resjiects excej)t the bill, which is like that of the true 

 Plovers; Ann)-h)/nrhiis,^ a Yevj peculiar form, having the bill curved sideways, the 

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

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

 family rank by ]\Iessrs. Sclater and Salvin ; and it seems equally entitled with Hrrmnt- 

 opus to such a position. So, also, appear Strepsilas and Anarhi/nchus, the onlj- alter- 

 native being to consider all, including Ifa;m,atopiis, of merely sub-family rank. 



The following is an attempt to define the principal groups of Limicolce according 

 to their external structure. 



A. Bill much longer than the tarsus, excessively compressed, deepest through the middle portion. 

 Haematopodidae. Xo hind toe ; a well-developed web between outer and middle toes at 



the base ; front of tarsus covered with he.xagonal scales. Size very large. 

 B* Bill about equal to or shorter than the tarsus, moderately compressed, deepest through the 



ba.^e. 

 Strepsilidae. A well-developed hind-toe, \rith a claw ; no trace of web between outer and 



middle toes ; front of tarsus covered by a row of transverse scutellae. Size small. 

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



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



at the end. Hind toe usually absent. 



1 Cf. "The Ibis," 1869, pp. 304-310, pl.viii. 



