ORDER IX. SHORE BIRDS. 
LIMICOL. 
Family 1. PHALAROPES. PHALAROPODID&. 3 species. 
Family 2. AVOCETS AND STILTS. RECURVIROSTRIDH. 2 
species. 
Family 3. SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. Scoropacipz. 33 
species, 2 subspecies. 
Family 4. PLOVERS. CHARADRIIDZ. 9 species, 2 subspecies. 
Family 5. SURF BIRDS AND TURNSTONES. Apurizipz. 4 
species. 
Family 6. OYSTER-CATCHERS. Ha@matopopip#. 3 species. 
Family 7. JACANAS. Jacanip&. 1 species. 
The Phalaropes are swimming Snipes. The Northern and Red 
Phalaropes, both of which have well-developed lobes or scalloped webs 
on their toes, except when nesting, live at sea a hundred miles or more 
off shore, where they find an abundance of food in small forms of ma- 
rine life. The Wilson Phalarope is a bird of the interior and conse- 
quently, is far less aquatic than the remaining species of the family; 
nevertheless it readily takes to water, swimming buoyantly and grace- 
fully. 
Contrary to the general rule, the female Phalarope is larger and 
more brightly colored than the male and this difference in size and 
plumage is accompanied by similarly unusual ‘habits; the female tak- 
ing the place of the male in the Phalarope household. The female of 
necessity lays the eggs, but they are hatched by the male alone, who it 
is said, cares for the young, also without the assistance of his mate. 
The Avocets and Stilts are wading Snipes. The Stilts secure their 
food by quick thrusts of the bill, but the Avocets use their singular, up- 
turned member in a more interesting manner. When in water two or 
three inches deep, the bill is dropped below the surface, until the 
curved lower mandible evidently touches the bottom; then walking 
rapidly, or even running, the bill is swung from side to side and the 
bird thus explores the mud in its search for food, which, when it is felt, 
is picked up in the usual way. 
Many of the members ofthe family Scolopacidz are probing Snipe. 
The Woodcock, Wilson Snipe, and Dowitcher are good examples. 
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