Genus— R ECURVIROSTRA. 
Recurvirostra Linne, Syst. Nat., 10th ed., p. 151, 
1758 . . . . . . . . . , . . . . Type R. avosetta. 
Avosetta Brunnich, Zool. Fund., p. 72, 1771 , . . . Type R. avosetta. 
Avocetta Boddaert, Tabl. Plan. Enl., p. 21, 1783 . . . . Type R. avosetta. 
In the genus Recurvirostra the bill is long and recurved, the feet are fuUy 
webbed, and a hind -toe is present ; otherwise it resembles Hypsibates. The bill 
is very long, somewhat flexible, flattened, then tapering with a strong upward 
turn and the tip again decurved ; the nostrils a very narrow slit in a flat, short 
groove ; the culmen is almost as long as the metatarsus and equal to the 
tail. The wings are long and pointed, and more than twice the length of the 
tail, which is square. The metatarsus is reticulated and the toes are fully 
webbed, and there is a hind-toe. 
The members of this genus are interesting as regards coloration : the 
general coloration is white with black wings ; the European form has the 
back of the head black ; the Australian has the head and neck deep chestnut ; 
the North American has the head, neck, upper-back, and upper-breast fawn, 
whilst the South American has the head and neck pure white. 
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