Genus HiEMATOPUS or OYSTERCATCHERS. 



Type H^MATOPUS OSTRALEGUS. 



Hsematopus of Linnseus (1766). — The birds comprising the 

 present genus are characterised by their combining a finely 

 reticulated tarsus with a nearly straight bill, which is longer than 

 it. The wings are long and pointed, the tail is nearly square. 

 The tarsus is rather short, and the lower portion of the tibia is 

 devoid of feathers. Three toes in front, all directed forward ; 

 hind toe absent. The bill is straight, strong, and compressed at 

 the point, forming a wedge ; truncate at the tip, clumsy, and very 

 variable in outline ; nostrils basal, linear, and situated in a 

 groove. 



This genus is composed of ten species and subspecies, which 

 are distributed throughout the world. One species is a common 

 resident in the British Islands. 



The Oystercatchers are dwellers on the coasts of seas, and 

 the banks of rivers and lakes. Their flight is rapid and well- 

 sustained ; they are able to swim ; and run and walk with ease. 

 Their notes are loud and piercing. They subsist on moUusks, 

 marine worms, and insects, small fish, and littoral plants. Their 

 nests are mere hollows in the sand or shingle, and their eggs, 

 three or four in number, are spotted. They are monogamous, 

 and more or less social throughout the year, but always excessively 

 wary and shy. 



