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DOTTERELS. 
From what we have considered as the true Plovers, 
we pass to the genus Charadrius or Dotterel, all the 
known species of which present a generic simi- 
larity in colour and markings, differing from the 
others in being unspotted, of shades of hair or grey- 
ish-brown, the under parts generally crossed with 
distinct bands of black or chestnut. In their habits 
they are chiefly maritime, at the same time, a few 
agree in this respect with the true plovers, in their 
breeding in pretty inland localities. Their feet 
are of a more decidedly cursorial structure ; but, 
in one or two exceptions, they possess the hinder 
toe. 
Charadrius. — Generic characters. — Bill straight, 
somewhat dilated at the base, and gradually 
narrowed to the point, which is hard and 
slightly curved ; nasal groove large ; nostrils 
linear and pierced in it; wings pointed, of 
middle length, first quill longest ; legs of 
middle length ; tibiaa bare for a short space 
above the tarsal joint ; toes short, formed for 
running ; hallux entirely wanting. 
Types, C. morinellus, hiaticula, &c. Cosmopolite. 
Note. — Partially gregarious in winter; chiefly 
maritime ; little seasonal change. The Squat- 
arolacinda of “ Orn. Illust.” The form Ore- 
opholus, and Mr. Gould’s genus Erythrogonys, 
will either enter as sub-genera here, or may 
