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AVOSETS. 
Following Himantopus may stand the Avosets, 
Recurvirostra, Linnaeus, a limited series of birds ol 
grallatorial form and habits, but having the pal- 
mated feet of a natatorial or aquatic species. 
Recurvirostra, Linnceus.— Generic characters. 
— Bill gradually bending upwards, long, slen- 
der, subulate, depressed for the whole length, 
becoming thin and weak, almost flexible to- 
wards the tip ; nostrils basal, long, linear, 
semi-lateral ; legs long and slender, great part 
of the tibiffi naked ; toes in front united by a 
membrane occupying two-thirds of their length, 
hind toe minute, articulated on the the tarsus ; 
wings long, somewhat pointed. 
Type, R. avosetta, Americana. Europe, Asia, 
Africa, America. 
Note. — Plumage, in colours departing from the 
Scolopacidce, no seasonal change, breed inland, 
partially gregarious in winter, do not naturally 
swim. 
