OF THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 197 



Genus LIMOSA, or Qodwits. 



Type, LIMOSA MELANUEA. 



Limosa, of Brisson (1760). — The birds comprising the present genus are 

 closely allied to the typical Totani, but appear to differ in the formation of the 

 sternum. In the Godwits the apex of the profile of the keel retreats from the 

 furculum, whilst in the Totani, as in the Snipes, it advances towards it. They are 

 further characterised by having the metatarsus scutellated in front, the bill long, 

 exceeding the tail in length, slightly recurved, expanded and hard and smooth at 

 the tip ; and the frontal feathers not extending beyond the gape. The wings are 

 long and pointed, the first quill the longest ; the tail is short and nearly even, and 

 composed of twelve feathers. The metatarsus is long and slender, the lower por- 

 tion of the tibia devoid of feathers. Toes, three in front, one behind articulated. 



This genus is composed of six species and subspecies. In the Northern hemi- 

 sphere they are distributed over the Arctic and temperate portions of the Palsearctic 

 and Nearctic regions during summer, but more cosmopolitan in winter ; in the 

 Southern hemisphere the distribution of the genus is not only misunderstood but 

 comparatively little known. That certain species migrate south from the 

 Intertropical realm to breed seems to be unquestionable. Two species are 

 visitors to the British Islands. 



The Godwits are dwellers on the moors and tundras and marshes during 

 summer, the sea-coasts during migration time and winter. They are birds of 

 powerful and rapid flight, run and walk with ease, and habitually wade. Their 

 notes are loud and expressive. They subsist on worms, insects, mollusks, etc. 

 Their nests are slight and made on the ground, and their eggs are four in number 

 and double-spotted. They are monogamous, and more or less sociable and gre- 

 garious during winter. 



