300 



On the Ornithology of Wilts. 



for the bird is incapable of swimming to any distance; but semi- 

 palmated and connected far more than those of any other species 

 in the order ; the tarsus, too, is long and slender ; the tibia naked 

 for two thirds of its entire length; so that it can wade into water 

 of considerable depth, in search of food. 



No less singular in the appearance of its legs and feet is the 

 "Black-winged Stilt" or " Long-legged Plover"; either name at once 

 points to the remarkable and apparently disproportionate length of 

 its legs, on which its body seems raised up above the water, as if 

 on stilts ; it is almost needless to add that this bird too obtains its 

 food by wading in muddy creeks and shallows on the shore. 



The " Coots" and "Phalaropes" which compose the small family 

 lobe-footed, claim our attention last; I have before alluded to them 

 as the connecting link between the true waders and swimmers, and 

 their feet certainly present a peculiarity, partaking of the form, 

 which is characteristic of both those orders; thus though the toes 

 are not wholly united by a connecting membrane, yet they are 

 furnished laterally with it to such a degree, as almost to answer 

 the same purpose; this membrane so extended forms what are 

 technically called "rounded lobes," hence their family name; and 

 with such curious feet these birds seem as active on land as they 

 are in the water, running, walking, even climbing trees, wading, 

 swimming, and diving with the greatest ease. 



Thus the feet of birds, though with a certain general similarity 

 of structure, differ one from another in a variety of ways. As their 

 habits and manner of life vary exceedingly, and as they are consti- 

 tuted to occupy no less than three elements, earth, air, and water, 

 we see every individual furnished with such means of locomotion 

 as best suit its own particular sphere. Had the lordly eagle, 

 pouncing on its quarry, but the foot of a partridge wherewith to 

 inflict his wound, starvation must be his lot ; or had the pheasant 

 to run from danger with the feet of the diver, slight indeed would 

 be its chance of escape. The heron, if supported on the legs of a 

 hawk, would certainly be drowned in fishing for food. The rook 

 would roost but insecurely on the bough of the elm, if it clasped 

 its support only with the feet of the plover. But now, supplied 

 with such instruments as their respective pursuits require, all are 



