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Genus SQUATAROLA. 



Vanellus apud Brisson, Orn. v. p. 100 (1760). 

 Tringa apud Linnseus, Syst. Nat. i. p. 250 (1766). 

 Charadrius apud Pallas, Reise Russ. Reichs, Hi. p. 699 (1773). 

 Squatarola, Leach, Syst. Cat. M. & B. Brit. Mus. p. 29 (1816). 

 Pluvialis apud Macgillivray, Hist. Brit. B. iv. p. 86 (1852). 



This genus contains but a single species, Squatarola helvetica, which differs from Charadrius in 

 having a small hind toe, whereas the species included in the genus Charadrius possess only three 

 anterior toes. This bird inhabits the major portion of the globe at one season or another, its 

 range being given in the following article. 



In habits the Grey Plover closely resembles its ally Charadrius pluvialis, frequenting the 

 same localities ; but it appears to be, as a rule, rather more partial to the sea-shore than that 

 species and its congeners. Like them it feeds on insects, worms, &c, and will frequently wade 

 in the water up to its belly in search of food. It breeds in the extreme north, its nest being 

 like that of Charadrius pluvialis, placed on the ground ; and it deposits four eggs, like those of 

 that species, but rather different in markings. Full particulars respecting its breeding-habits 

 are given in the appendix to the following article. 



Squatarola helvetica has the bill about as long as the head, straight, rather stout ; upper 

 mandible with the dorsal line straight to the end of the nasal sinus, then slightly raised, and 

 decurved to the tip, which is rounded but sharp ; nasal sinus very long ; nostrils linear, pervious, 

 subbasal ; wings long, pointed, the first quill longest ; tail moderate, rounded ; legs moderately 

 long, slender ; tibia bare for about one third of its length ; tarsus covered laterally and anteriorly 

 with small hexagonal scales ; toes four in number, the hind claw very small and elevated ; 

 anterior toes moderate, stout, scutellate above; claws short, very slightly curved, obtuse, the 

 one on the middle toe dilated on the inner edge. 



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