&f the United States. 
315 
51. TRINGA. 
Tringa , Charadrius , Scolopax , L . Gm. Tringa , Chara - 
dm**, Nvmenius , La/A. Tringa , Arenaria , Ems. Actitis , 
Calidris , ///.* Calidris , Ptiidna, Machetes , Arenaria , Cuv. 
Tringa, Arenaria , Fieill. Tringa, Calidris, Temm . Ran&. 
Bill, moderate, slender, sub cylindrical, straight, or slight- 
ly curved, soft and flexible its whole length, compressed at 
base, point smooth, depressed, somewhat dilated, obtuse : 
both mandibles furrowed each side their whole length ; 
lower a little shorter : nostrils in the furrows, basal, linear, 
pervious, covered by a membrane : tongue moderate, slender, 
subfiliform, canaliculated above, entire, acute. Feet 3 or 
4-toed ; tarsus slender ; fore toes rather elongated, slender, 
generally divided ; hind toe extremely short, slender, much 
elevated, hardly touching the ground at tip, or wanting : nails 
curved, acute. Wings moderate ; first primary longest. Tail 
rather short, of twelve feathers. 
Female similar in color to the male, somewhat larger. 
Young differ from the adult. Moult twice a year, changing 
greatly the color of their plumage. Colors a mixture of 
white and cinereous, changing in summer to* rufous and 
black. 
Live in flocks, often composed of different species, on sandy 
beaches, muddy shores, preferring salt water. Migrate 
according to season along shores and rivers. Feed on in- 
sects, mollusca, and other small animals, which they seek in 
soft ground by inserting their flexible bill. Breed socially 
among the grass near water. 
* Illiger, however, does not quote under his genus Actitis a single 
typical Tringa ; he probably never examined one, as they do not possess 
the character he assigns to the group “ pedes colligati.” 
