340 Synopsis of the Birds 
Colors in summer brownish and reddish, changing in winter 
to gray and white. 
Essentially aquatic. Not shy. Live in small flocks on 
sea coasts, and rarely fresh-water lakes, venturing far at sea. 
Feed on aquatic insects and other small animals, which they 
seek in lakes or the sea. Strictly monogamous : copulate in 
the water : build on shore, among grass : eggs 4 — 6 : both 
sexes incubate and attend the young ; young leave the nest, 
run about and swim as soon as hatched. Flight rapid, ele- 
gant. Hardly ever seen on dry ground. Smallest of swim- 
mers : swim expertly, resisting the heaviest waves, never 
diving. Flesh oily, unpalatable. 
Inhabit Arctic seas, whence they migrate in the autumn and 
winter, to the temperate regions of both continents. Formed 
of but one genus; only three species, all found in North 
America, though two only in Europe; very much embroiled, 
and of which several nominal have been formed ; each fully 
deserves to constitute a subgenus. Placed by authors in dif- 
ferent families and even orders. In form and habits different 
from all, and deserving a separate station. Connects the 
Family Limicolse, with the Order Anseres. 
59. PHALAROPUS. 
Phalaropus, Briss. Lath, 111. Temm. Ranz. Tringa , 
L. Gin . Phalaropus , Lobipes , Cuv. Phalaropus , Crymophi - 
lus, Vieill. 
SUBGEM7S I. PHALAROPUS. 
Phalaropus , Cuv . nec Vieill. Crymophilus , Vieill. 
Bill moderate, stout, much depressed throughout, some- 
what trigonal at base, point dilated, rounded, curved : nostrils 
not quite basal, subovate : tongue short, broad, fleshy, ob- 
tuse at tip. Tarsi short, robust, but little compressed; ante- 
rior toes shortish ; middle one connected with the outer to 
