Order  VIII.  AN  SERES  Linn* 
This  division  embraces  many  species  of  birds,  which  are  peculiar  for  having  their  Tarsi  usually  very 
short,  compressed,  and  placed  more  posteriorly  than  is  the  case  with  those  that  compose  the  other 
orders ;  the  Toes  are  connected  together  by  a  membrane,  which  sometimes  extends  to  the  end  of 
each  toe ;  the  hind  toe  is  sometimes  free,  though  more  or  less  webbed,  and  thus  their  feet  are  well 
adapted  to  assist  them  in  their  progress  on  or  in  the  water. 
The  first  Family, 
ANATIDiE,  or  Ducks, 
have  the  Bill  generally  depressed,  broad,  and  always  laminated  on  the  sides ;  the  lamination  being  more 
prominent  in  some  species  than  in  others. 
The  first  Subfamily, 
PHGENICOPTERIN^E,  or  Flamingoes, 
have  the  Bill  large,  compressed,  suddenly  bent  downwards  in  the  middle,  and  the  lateral  margins 
laminated ;  the  Tarsi  very  long,  slender,  with  the  Tibia  also  lengthened  and  naked ;  the  Toes  short,  the 
anterior  ones  united  by  a  membranous  web. 
Phoenicopterus  Linn.\ 
Bill  larger  than  the  head,  higher  than  broad  at  the  base,  with  the  culmen  flattened  and  suddenly  bent 
downwards  in  the  middle,  and  the  sides  narrowing  and  rather  obtuse  at  the  tip ;  the  lower  mandible 
narrow  at  the  base,  and  widening  at  the  middle,  then  narrowing  to  the  tip ;  the  lateral  margins  curved, 
and  finely  laminated ;  the  nostrils  placed  in  a  groove,  linear,  and  covered  by  a  membrane.  Wings 
moderate,  with  the  first  and  second  quills  nearly  equal  and  longest.  Tail  short.  Tarsi  very  long, 
slender,  slightly  compressed,  and  covered  in  front  with  transverse  scales ;  the  tibia  lengthened  and 
exposed.  Toes  short,  the  anterior  ones  united  together  by  a  membrane  ;  the  hind  toe  free,  very  short, 
and  almost  touching  the  ground :  the  claws  short. 
*  The  Palmipedes  of  Latham,  and  the  Natatores  of  Illiger. 
|  Established  by  Linnteus  in  174-8. 
