294 
Synopsis of the Birds 
Sad, shy, canning. Live on the ground, especially 
along waters, and in marshy places, wading by means of their 
long legs. Mostly semi nocturnal. Feed on insects and 
worms, which they seek in the mud ; the larger species also 
on fishes, and reptiles ; a few on weeds and seeds. In breeding 
various, but only once in the year : the polygamous species 
build on the ground, and often leave the hatching of their 
eggs in part to the sun ; their young running about as soon as 
hatched, and searching for food under the eye of the 
mother only : while the monogamous build generally on 
high trees, and feed their young in the nest until full-fledged. 
Flight swift, long sustained, the feet stretched out behind. 
Migrate in large flocks periodically to great distances, cros- 
sing seas in search of warmer climates, even different species 
together, but the young and adult always separately; the 
latter departing first, and arriving last. Voice harsh, loud, 
tuneless. Flesh sapid ; some species ranked among the most 
valuable game. Analogous to Belluae.* 
FAMILY XVII. PRESSIROSTRES. 
Pressirostres , Longirostres , Cuv. Latr. Campestres , Litto - 
rales, Limicolce, 111. Pedionomi , JEgialites , Helionomi , 
Vieill. Tachidromi, Limose , Ranz . Char adria dee , , Vigors. 
Bill short or moderate, compressed. Neck moderate. 
Feet rather short; toes short, 3—0, 3—1 ; hind toe when 
present articulated higher on the tarsus than the rest, very 
short : nails small. Wings moderate or long. 
Prefer dry places, sandy beaches, he. Run and fly swiftly. 
Feed principally on insects, mollusca, and other marine ani- 
mals. Monogamous : lay on the ground : both sexes sit 
alternately on the eggs : young leave the nest as soon as 
hatched. 
^ We think them analogous to Belluse, though Linne states them to be 
analogous to his Bruta. 
