CHAPTEK XV. 



sternum of Glareola orientalis. 



Genus GLAREOLA. 



Diagnosis of CharadkiiNjE cauda bifurcata vel emarginata : halluce parvo : naribus vix in sulcis positis. 

 genus. 



Extraordi- 



nar}' errors. 



Generic 



characters. 



The Pratincoles form a small but remarkably isolated group of birds, so completely differ- 

 entiated from other genera that the earlier ornithologists were in doubt where they ought 

 to be placed in the system of classification. Linneus actually included the Pratincole in 

 his genus Hirundo, to which it undoubtedly bears a superficial resemblance, and Sundevall 

 placed the genus Glareola in his family Caprimulginae ! In spite of its long, pointed wings, 

 forked tail, short legs, and hind toe, the Pratincole is unquestionably a highly modified 

 Courser. In Glareola, as well as in Cursorius, the bill differs from that of all other genera 

 of Charadriidse, and resembles that of Otis, in having no nasal groove. This character alone 

 could scarcely be regarded as of much significance, but conjoined with others its value 

 is greater. Glareola resembles Cursorius in having in so many species black under wing- 

 coverts, white upper tail-coverts, and a pectinated claw to the middle toe. 



