OP THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 221 



Genus TOTANUS, or Hard=bined Sandpipers. 



Type, TOTANUS CALIDEIS. 



Totanus, of Bechstein (1803). — The birds comprising the present genus 

 are characterised by having the frontal feathers extending beyond the line of the 

 gape, and the bill so nearly straight that it is practically on the same plane as the 

 gape. The wings are long and pointed, the first quill the longest ; tail variable in 

 shape and, to some extent, in the number of rectrices, even in closely allied species. 

 The metatarsus is scutellated anteriorly and posteriorly ; the tibia above the meta- 

 tarsal joint devoid of feathers. The bill is moderately long and nearly straight, 

 hard at the point ; nostrils lateral, linear. Toes, three in front, one behind, small 

 and elevated. The difference between summer and winter plumage is generally 

 trifling, differing considerably in this respect from the Typical Sandpipers. 



This genus is composed of eleven species, distributed over the Palaearctic, and 

 Nearctic regions ; more cosmopolitan in winter. Ten species are British ; some 

 accidental wanderers, some resident, some winter visitors. 



The Hard-billed Sandpipers are dwellers on moors, tundras and marshes in 

 summer, on sea coasts in winter. They are birds of powerful, well-sustained flight, 

 and perform extended migrations. On the ground they run and walk with ease, 

 and frequently wade. Their notes are shrill and some not unmusical. They 

 subsist on insects, mollusks, fruit, &c. They make scanty nests, generally placed 

 on the ground, and their pyriform eggs are four in number and double-spotted. 

 They are monogamous, and more or less gregarious and social, especially during 

 winter. 



