AVES. 



73 



remarkable genera. The genus Scolopax, Lin. (Snipe) has a 

 beak either curved at the bottom or straight. There are two 

 subgenera. 



Subgenus Ibis. 



Beak arcuated, slender, obtuse and almost square at base; 

 nostrils prolonged into a furrow which extends to the end of 

 the beak; head or neck partially naked; thumb resting upon 

 the ground ; external toes remarkably palmated. 



Subgenus Scolopax, Cuv. Snipe proper. 



Beak long and straight with the point inflated ; feet with- 

 out web ; large eyes placed very much behind. 



Subgenus Limosa, Bechst. Godwit. 



Beak like the Snipe but longer ; legs longer ; feet palmated. 

 Sea shore Birds. 



Genus Recurvirostra, Lin. Avoset. 



Beak long, thin, pointed, smooth, elastic and curved up- 

 wards ; feet webbed to near the ends of the toes. 



FAMILY V. MACRODACTYLL 



Toes very long and fit for running upon grass and marshy 

 ground, or even for swimming, especially in those species 

 where they are bordered with a membrane, without being 

 webbed. Sternum narrow. Three remarkable genera. 



Genus Parra, Lin. 



Wings armed with a spur; four long toes divided down to 

 the root with extremely long and pointed nails, a peculiarity 

 from which they have received the name of Surgeons. Asia 

 and South America. 



Genus Rallus. Rail. 



Wings unarmed ; beak straight or moderately curved, cy- 

 lindrical at the point, without frontal plate. Toes not bor- 

 dered. 



Genus Fulica, Lin. Coot. 



Wings unarmed; beak prolonged into a kind of shield 

 which covers the forehead. Three subgenera. 



K 



