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Family — J A C A N I D . 
The recent Zoological Congress having confirmed the Opinions of the 
International Commission on Nomenclature that, notwithstanding the 
wording of the Laws, the genera introduced by Brisson must be utilised 
under the Code, these generic names will be hereafter used by me. My 
own views have been expressed in my articles in the Novitates Zoologicae, 
etc., and though my arguments have never been controverted, I submit 
to the opinion of the majority in the hope that by this means uniformity 
will be attained. 
Consequently the family “ ParridcB ” must be known as “ Jacanidcej'^ 
Brisson having proposed the genus Jacana before Linne introduced his 
genus Parra. 
The family JacanidcB is coequal with the suborder Jacance, and 
constitutes one of the most remarkable natural groups in the Class Aves. 
The general definition of the family given in the Catalogue of the Birds 
in the British Museum, Vol. XXIV., p. 68, reads : — 
“ General aspect that of a Bail. Toes enormously long, and armed 
with straight spur-like claws, the hind toe very long, with a claw exceeding 
it in length.” 
Examination of the internal structure has necessitated their reference to 
the Charadriifor7nes, and if this be correct, their nearest allies in that 
Order would appear, from external features, to be the Vanelline forms. 
They have a similar style of plumage : brown, black, green, red, yellow 
and white in association, but they are never spotted or mottled in the 
adult state. The species possess frontal shields, facial lappets, and spurs 
on their wings. The latter feature is said to differ in origin to that of 
the Vanelline birds. 
Their distribution is tropical and subtropical throughout the world, 
thereby being practically coincident with that of the Vanelline birds. 
Their eggs number four, and are of characteristic coloration and 
markings. 
Many genera are admitted owing to the variation in the length of the 
wings, tail and legs, and difference in facial ornamentation and general color- 
ation. Only one species is found in Australia which is representative of a 
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