Iv PREFACE. 
Part VIII (the present volume) contains the Charadriiformes 
(Plover-like Birds), with Families Jacanidz (Jacanas), (Edicnemide 
(Thick-knees), Hematopodide (Oyster-catchers), Arenariide (Turn- 
stones), Aphrizide (Surf Birds), Charadriide (Plovers), Scolopacidee 
(Snipes, Sandpipers, etc.), Phalaropodide (Phalaropes), Recurviros- 
tride (Avocets and Stilts), Rynchopide (Skimmers), Sternide 
(Terns), Larids (Gulls), Stercorariide (Skuas and Jaegers), and 
Alcidz (Auks). ; 
Part LX, now in course of preparation, will contain the Gruiformes 
with Families Heliornithide (Sun Grebes), Eurypygide (SunBitterns), 
Gruide (Cranes), Aramide (Limpkins), and Rallide (Rails, Galli- 
nules, and Coots); Galliformes, with Families Gallide (Pheasants), 
Perdicide (Partridges and Quails), Numidide (Guinea fowls), 
Meleagride (Turkeys), Odontophoride (American Partridges), Tetra- 
onide (Grouse), and Cracide (Curassows and Guans); Falconii- 
formes, with Families Polyboride (Caracaras), Herpetotheride 
(Laughing Falcons), Micrasturide (Hawk-Falcons), Falconide (Fal- 
cons), Buteonide (Hawks and Eagles), and Cathartide (American 
Vultures). ; 
In the eight volumes thus far published have been treated in detail 
(that is, with full descriptions and synonymies), besides the Families 
above mentioned and higher groups to which they belong, 651 genera 
and 2,507 species and subspecies, besides 213 extralimital genera and 
602 extralimital species and subspecies whose principal characters 
are-given in the Keys and their principal synomymy (full synomymy 
in case of the genera) given in footnotes. 
Certain subspecies (mostly among the Limicole) recognized by 
other authors have not been admitted in the present work. This 
does not necessarily mean that they are not worthy of recognition, 
but that the material examined (usually wholly inadequate for de- 
termination of the question) did not warrant subdivision of the species. 
Acknowledgments are due for the loan of specimens needed in the 
preparation of the present volume to the authorities of the Academy 
of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia; American Museum of Natural 
History, New York; Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh; Field Museum of 
Natural History, Chicago; Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cam- 
bridge; and to Mr. William Brewster. : 
1 Specimens borrowed for use in the preparation ofthis volume are as follows: 
Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia. ....... 2.22... 2. eee cece eee ee cece cece cence ce cnceces 37 
American Museum ofNatural History........-...-.-..----.6-- aes Nal cee are ea Ae Ne a ea 192 
MCOTNGSIS, MUSOU IM wpaiecssrora arene emia coesiet ie eleimra lary atin Sta <Sivinj jo nie nin. a wtayejesoisit piosdis pa auvoaasaeavaieiamrernmeaneacae 161 
Field Museum of Natural History 2. cseccs cece. ccd sites ewesscns ea cincauiociiaetiesenececevweuice wees 64 
Museum of Comparative Zoology...-...-- 2-2... 2cc cece cece cece cence eet e esc ne anes ecceercaceneerce 214 
WHIM BT Bre WiSte ti aioe cise isic sich itis a ottyeicois:2iain lors dicsasdiaceiniaiond ale aicieysiese edb acesdua w/e ore teeieindbisio-ana sie clesevalareeae ares 35 
