The Genera of North American Birds, and a Synopsis 
of the Species found within the territory of the United 
States ; systematically arranged in Orders and Families . 
By Charles Lucian Bonaparte. Read January 24, 1826. 
(Continued from page 128 . ) 
~ ORDER IV. GRALLiE. 
Grallce, L. Cuv . Lair, Grallce , Gallince , Gm. Grallce , 
Gallince , Struthiones , Pinnatipedes , Palmipedes, Lath. Cur- 
sores, Grallatores, 111. Grallatores, Vieill . Alectorides, Cur- 
sores, Grallatores , Pinnatipedes, Temm . Grallce , Ratitce , 
Ranz. Grallatores, Rasores, Vigors. 
Bill generally elongated, sub-cylindrical. Feet elonga- 
ted or moderate, covered by a tender, coriaceous skin ; tibiae 
but partially fleshy, partly naked (subgenera Rusticola and 
Ardeola excepted*) ; tarsi generally slender, rounded, naked, 
reticulated or annulated ; toes disposed 2-0, 3-0, 3-1, either 
divided, or connected at base by a membrane : nails in no de- 
gree retractile. Neck generally long; body compressed; 
skin very thin. Wings generally long, though occasionally 
too short for flight ; scapulars elongated. Tail short, of from 
ten to twenty feathers, very rarely wanting. 
Female generally similar to the male in plumage. Young 
generally differing for a time from the adult, with the joints 
thicker. Some moult twice a year, changing their plumage 
periodically. But few distinguished by brilliant colors. 
* Even in these the character is somewhat preserved by the articulation 
being exposed. 
Vol. n. 
37 
