Order LIMICOLCE 
PRyECOCIAL grallatores. 
Char. Prsecocial wading birds, usually of small size, distinguished from the 
Aledorides (Cranes and Rails) by their lengthened, usually pointed, wings, small 
or rudimentary hind toe, or the latter member entirely wanting. 
The very numerous species which together make up this group vary to such great 
extremes in the details of structure, that the above characters appear the most promi- 
nent ones which, in a comprehensive sense, distinguish the Limicolce from the Alec- 
torides. It is quite likely, however, that when their internal structure shall have 
been more extensively studied, more positive characters may be discovered for the 
trenchant separation of these two “ Orders.” 
It is equally difficult to determine the exact number of Families into which the 
Limicolce should be divided. It has been customary to allow five — namely, Hcemato- 
poclidce (including Strepsilas), Charadriidce (including Aphriza and Anarhynchus), 
Recurvirostriclce, Phalaropod idea, and Scolopacidce. As to the three latter families, 
this division appears perfectly natural ; but close study of the first two makes evident 
the necessity of their sharper definition, by the elimination of certain forms which 
appear too specialized, or which cannot be conveniently brought within the terms 
diagnosing either family. Notable examples are Strepsilas, usually associated with 
Hcematopus, but which differs in numerous essential particulars; Apliriza, which 
resembles Strepsilas in most respects bxcept the bill, which is like that of the true 
Plovers ; Anarhynchus , 1 a very peculiar form, having the bill curved sideways, the 
other characters being Charadrine ; and CPdicnemus , very large Plover-like birds, 
somewhat resembling the Bustards. The last-named genus has latterly been raised to 
family rank by Messrs. Sclater and Salvin ; and it seems equally entitled with Hcemat- 
opus to such a position. So, also, appear Strepsilas and Anarhynchus, the only alter- 
native being to consider all, including Hcematopus, of merely sub-family rank. 
The following is an attempt to define the principal groups of Limicolce according 
to their external structure. 
A. Bill much longer than the tarsus, excessively compressed, deepest through the middle portion. 
Haematopodidse. No hind toe ; a veil-developed web between outer and middle toes at 
the base ; front of tarsus covered with hexagonal scales. Size very large. 
B. Bill about ecpial to or shorter than the tarsus, moderately compressed, deepest through the 
base. 
Strepsilidae. A well-developed hind-toe, with a claw ; no trace of web between outer and 
middle toes ; front of tarsus covered by a row of transverse scutellae. Size small. 
C. Bill variable, but never longer than the tarsus ; more or less depressed in the middle portion ; 
the terminal portion of the culmen being more or less arched ; never expanded laterally 
at the end. Hind toe usually absent. 
i Qf “The Ibis,” 1869, pp. 304-310, pl.viii. 
