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CHARADRIAD.35. 
The Charadriadae or Plovers naturally follow the 
family we have left, to which many species show 
very close alliance ; while to the previous groups, 
and that which has yet to be described, there are 
also many close links of connection. Many of the 
genera still continue to be maritime at particular 
seasons, but the larger proportion show a greatei 
affection for the land, and spend a portion of their 
time inland. We shall commence the series with 
a form which still continues the alliance with the 
Tringce and Totani in the structure of the feet ; 
it has also a periodical change of plumage, but 
differs, in a much greater size, in one or two species 
being adorned with beautiful crests, and in the 
habits being so plover-like, that they sometimes 
are known under that name.* The Lapwings 
may be thus characterized. 
Vannelltjs. — Generic characters Bill straight, 
slightly compressed ; tips of the mandible and 
maxilla rounded, smooth, and hard ; nasal 
groove large and deep ; nostrils linear, pierced 
in the middle of it ; wings ample, more or 
less rounded, second or third quills often long- 
* The Lapwings are so nearly allied to the genus Pluvianus, 
that although we are in the habit of looking upon our native 
species as representing the former, it will more properly come 
in as- an aberrant species. 
