VANELLIN.E. 643 



Ochthodrbmus. Anarhynchus frontalis, Quoy and Gaimard, is 

 placed by Gray next Thinornis, but perhaps does not belong 

 to this group ; it appears to me to have some affinities with 

 Strepsilas. 



Sub-fam. Vanellinje, Lapwings. 



Of moderate or largish size ; legs lengthened ; bill moderately 

 strong ; a short hind toe frequently present. 



Some are crested ; a few have the wings spurred ; and there 

 are wattles of skin at the base of the bill in several. The plu- 

 mage is in masses, and the tail usually white with a dark 

 band. 



This sub-family comprises the sections Vanelleae, Sarciophorece 

 and Hoplopterece of Bonaparte's Ckaradrinae ; which are, I think, 

 sufficiently characterized apart from the more typical Charadrince 

 to form a distinct group. 



1st Vanelleae. 



With four toes, the hind toe small, wing not spurred, nor in 

 general, any lappets about the bill. 



Gen. Vanellus, Linn, (restricted.) 



Char. — Bill moderate, straight, compressed at the base, convex 

 at the tip ; nostrils linear in a cleft occupying two-thirds of the 

 upper mandible ; wings pointed, 4th and 5th quills longest ; 

 shoulder of wing with a tubercle ; tail nearly even ; a very short 

 hind toe. Head crested. 



This genus, as at present restricted, consists of but one species, 

 the well known Pee-wit or Lapwing of Europe. 



851. Vanellus cristatus, Meyer. 



Blyth, Cat. 1557 — Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. — . Tringa 

 vanellus, Linn. 



The Crested Lapwing. 



Descr. — Head with lengthened slender crest, black ; behind the 

 eye, ear-coverts, nape, and sides of the neck white ; upper plu- 

 mage green, glossed with purple and coppeiy, becoming golden 



