AVES. 379 
Sub-fam.4. Haematopine, or Oyster-catchers. Bill long, strong, and much 
compressed ; wings long, pointed; tarsi and feet very robust; tail short; 
size larger; colors mostly black and white. 
The species of this sub-family are distributed in most parts of the world. 
They live on the sea-shores, subsisting on the animals of sea-shells, which 
they obtain by inserting their compressed wedge-like bills between the 
valves. They build on the bare sands, or in such scanty herbage as may 
be found growing near the reach of high water. The best known species 
are the European oyster-catcher (H@matopus ostralegus), and the American 
oyster-catcher (H. palliatus). The latter is frequently met with on the 
shores of the Atlantic. 
Sub-fam. 5. Cincline, or Turnstones. Baill short, straight, and rather 
acute ; wings long; tail short; tarsi rather short; toes long. Size small; 
colors mostly red, and black and white. 
Four or five curious little birds are arranged here. They frequent the 
sea-shores of all parts of the world, feeding entirely on such shell-fish and 
other small animals as are thrown up by the waves, and are said to turn 
over small stones in quest of insects with much dexterity. The common 
turnstone, Cinclus interpras (pl. 95, fig. 7), is abundant in Europe, while the 
american species (C. melanocephalus) is quite as abundant in America. 
Fam. 2. Arpemw. Another large family, containing the cranes, herons, 
storks, and ibises. They inhabit every country of the world, and may 
generally be readily distinguished by their long necks and legs, and attenu- 
ated general appearance. They are mostly birds of large size. 
Sub-fam. 1. Psophine, or Trumpeters. Bill moderate, rather short ; wings 
and tail short; tarsi long; feet moderate. Size large; color dark. 
The trumpeters, so called from their loud notes, inhabit South America, 
where they are found in damp or marshy places in the forests. They seem 
to partake somewhat of the character of gallinaceous birds, and some species 
have very handsome plumage. The common trumpeter (Psophia crepitans) 
is frequently seen in collections. 
Sub-fam. 2. Gruine,or Cranes. Baill long, straight, strong; wings rather 
long, with the tertial quills lengthened and pendent; tail short, pendent ; 
tarsi very long, slender. Size large; colors plain. 
The cranes are large birds, usually partial to marshes or swamps, though 
frequently seen on dry plains. They regularly migrate to the warmer 
regions during autumn and winter, and in summer return to the north. 
Their flights are performed during the night in large flocks, under the 
direction of a leader, and at such a great elevation that they are invisible to 
the naked eye, though their loud cries may be distinctly heard. Their nests 
are usually made amongst the herbage of marshy places, and are raised above 
the surface of the ground, sometimes to the height of the body when stand- 
ing. The crane of Europe, Grus cinerea (pl. 98, fig. 3), and the American 
hooping crane (G. americana), are examples of these birds. 
The crowned crane, Balearica pavonina ( pl. 94, fig. 4), is an African 
species. 
Sub-fam. 4. Ardeine, or Herons. Bill long, acute, much compressed ; 
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