CHARADR1N.E. 
which  extends  beyond  half  the  length  of  the  bill.  Wings  long  and  pointed,  with  the  first  quill  the  longest.' 
Tail  long,  broad,  and  rounded.  Tarsi  longer  than  the  middle  toe,  slender,  and  covered  with  reticulated 
scales  in  front.  Toes  four  ;  the  outer  toe  longer  than  the  inner,  and  united  at  the  base  by  a  membrane  ; 
the  hind  toe  very  small,  and  not  touching  the  ground  ;  the  claws  small,  compressed,  and  slightly 
curved. 
The  species  are  found  in  both  hemispheres.  They  migrate  from  the  temperate  regions  to  the  arctic  and  antarctic 
circles,  where  they  pass  the  warmer  months.  They  frequent  the  margins  of  rivers  and  marshy  places,  as  well  as  the 
sandy  sea-shores.  They  run  with  rapidity,  uttering  at  the  same  time  a  shrill  piping  whistle.  Their  food  consists  of 
worms,  slugs,  and  various  kinds  of  insects.  Their  nest  is  formed  in  a  slight  hollow  on  the  ground,  lined  with  dry 
grass.    The  eggs  are  four  in  number. 
1.  S.  helvetica  (Linn.)  PI.  enl.  853,  854.  923. — Tringa  squa-  !  2.  S.  modesta  (Licht.)  Hartl.  Cat.  Dupl.  Berl.  Mus.  p.  71. — 
tarola  Gmel.  ;  Vanellus  melanogaster  Bechst.  ;   Charadrius  hypo-  |  Tringa  D'Urvillei   Gam.  ;    Vanellus  cinctus    Less.  Voy.  de  la 
melanus,   et  Ch.   Pardela  Pall. ;   Vanellus  griseus  et  V.  varius  Coqu.  t.  43. ;  Charadrius  rubecola  King,  Jard.  &  Selby,  111.  Orn. 
Briss.  ;  Ch.  apricarius  Wils.  Amer.  Orn.  pi.  57.  f.4.,  Gould,  B.  of  i  t.  13. 
Amer.  pi.  384. 
Charadrius  Linn.* 
Bill  more  or  less  short,  robust,  and  straight ;  the  culmen,  for  two  thirds  its  length,  usually  depressed, 
and  the  tip  vaulted  and  curved ;  the  sides  compressed,  and  furnished  in  both  mandibles  with  a 
groove,  which  extends  on  the  upper  mandible  for  two  thirds  of  its  length  ;  the  nostrils  basal,  linear, 
and  placed  in  the  groove.  Wings  long  and  pointed,  with  the  first  quill  the  longest.  Tail  moderate, 
broad,  and  rounded.  Tarsi  longer  than  the  middle  toe,  more  or  less  slender,  and  covered  in  front  with 
small  reticulated  scales.  Toes  three,  moderate ;  the  outer  toe  longer  than  the  inner,  and  more  or  less 
united  at  the  base  by  a  membrane,  the  inner  toe  usually  free  ;  the  hind  toe  wanting ;  the  claws  small, 
compressed,  and  slightly  curved. 
The  species  of  this  genus  are  found  in  most  parts  of  the  world.  They  are  usually  observed  in  small  flocks  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  sea-coast,  viz.  the  bays,  creeks,  and  mouths  of  rivers,  especially  those  that  are  composed  of 
gravel ;  but  sometimes  during  the  summer  months,  when  they  separate  in  pairs,  they  frequent  the  inland  banks  of 
rivers,  lakes,  and  the  elevated  mountains  or  open  moors.  Their  food  consists  of  small  insects  of  various  kinds,  in  their 
different  states,  also  small  molluscous  animals.  These  they  are  actively  seeking  for  in  the  evening  and  the  night,  but 
during  the  day  they  generally  remain  quiet  in  a  resting  posture.  Their  flight  is  strong,  and  performed  with  rapidity, 
but  does  not  proceed  far  at  a  time,  and  they  sometimes  run  with  great  swiftness.  The  note  is  composed  of  a  plaintive 
whistle  often  repeated.  The  nest  is  a  slight  hollow,  lined  with  a  few  stems  of  dry  grass.  The  eggs  are  usually  four 
in  number,  and  when  they  are  hatched  the  parents  protect  them  until  they  are  able  to  fly.  If  disturbed  by  an  enemy 
they  generally  run  for  some  distance  from  the  nest,  and  then  usually  pretend  that  they  are  unable  to  fly,  tumbling  over 
on  the  ground,  and  feigning  lameness. 
*  Linncna  established  this  division  in  1735.  Pluvialis  of  Brisson  (1760)  is  coequal.  It  embraces  Eudromias  and  Mgialetes  of 
M.  Boie  (1822)  (with  tbe  latter  name  Hiaticula  G.  R.  Gray  (1840)  is  synonymous),  and  probably  PipU  of  M.  Lichtenstein  (1793)  and 
Autruchon  of  M.  Temminck. 
