Synopsis of Orders and Families- 



green HERON. 



Family m HHRONS, EGRETS, AND BITTERNS. ARDEID^. 

 Bill usually straight and sharply pointed; lores naked; head feathered; tarsus with 

 transverse stales; middle toe-nail pectinate or with a comblike edge. 



Order VIII. Cranks, Raii,s, Coots, Gai.i,tnui,ks, Etc. PALU- 



DICOL^. 



(li families, Itj species, 3 subspecies) 



Birds varying greatly in size and appearance, but all agreeing (and 

 differing from Herodiones) in having the hind-toe elevated, that is, leav- 

 ing the foot g.t a higher level than the front toes; tail short; leys 

 u^utilly long. All fly with the neck extended, a fact by which Cranes 

 in flight may be known from Herons. Kails are short-winged skulkers 

 in grassy marshes; Gallinules frequent reedy shores; Coots, which alone 

 of the Order have webbed (lobate) toes, are as aquatic as Ducks, from 

 which they may be known by their pointed, white bill, nodding motion 

 of the head when swimming, and habit of pattering over the water 

 when alarmed. 



SANDHILL CRANE. 

 ]9 



