70 



ZOOLOGY. 



(Oharadriua, u) ; Pewit or Lapwing (Vanellus cristatus, 

 u) ; the Snipes (Scolopax) ; the Curlews {Numenius, u) ; 

 the Stints {Tringa) ; the Godwit {Limosa (Bgoeephala, 



is^A.- 



Fig. 42. — The Woodcock (^Scolopax ^'ustwola), 



u) ; the Sandpipers {Totanus, u) ; the Heron {Ardea 

 cinerea). 



Order: Natatores (Swimmikg-Bieds). 



These birds are distinguished by their swimming 

 powers and corresponding organization. Legs usually- 

 set on far back, shorter than the body. The feet in 

 particular are adapted for swimming. In some swim- 

 ming-birds each of the forwardly directed toes has a 

 webbed margin (" split swimming feet," Fig. 43) ; in 

 others, the three front toes are all united by a web 

 (Fig. 44), while the hind toe is either small or wanting 

 (" swimming feet ") ; lastly, there are some in which 

 all the toes are forwardly directed and united by a 

 common web (" oar-feet "). The plumage of swimming- 

 birds is compact, and always kept greasy by the 



