of the United States* 343 
lions to the coast of Mexico :* rare and accidental in the 
United States. 
Differs more essentially from the two others, than they do 
between themselves. 
FAMILY XXIII. HYGROBATiE. 
Palmipedes pedihus longioribus , Lath. Hygrobatce , 111 . 
Cultrirostres , Longirostres , Phcenicojpteres , Cuv. Palmipedes , 
Latirostres , Vieill. Igrobate , Latirostre , Ranz. Pterodac - 
, (Pinnidactyli,) Cultrirostres , Pyxidirostres , Latr. Jlr- 
deidce , Scolopacidce , Vigors. 
Bill longer than the head, singularly shaped : nostrils 
basal, longitudinal, narrow. Head small ; neck more or less 
elongated, slender : body somewhat compressed. F eet long, 
4-toed ; naked space of the tibia longer than the middle toe 5 
tarsus much longer than the middle toe, reticulated ; fore toes 
palmated, membrane emarginated ; hind toe free. Wings 
moderate, tuberculated ; first or second primary longest. 
Tail short, of twelve or sixteen feathers. 
Essentially waders. Live on the sea shore. Run rapidly 
even in the water: swimming occasionally, but never from 
choice, nor after food. Undertake great periodical journeys. 
Monogamous: breed on shores or inundated places, some on 
trees by the sea : eggs few. Voice shrill, acute. Flesh not 
good. 
Spread all over the world. Connects the Order Grallae 
with that of Anseres, certainly belonging to the former. 
Perhaps artificial : formed of three very different genera, each 
of which may constitute a family, or be distributed among the 
others ; the common character of the palmated feet, being 
considered as one of analogy simply. 
* Erroneously given as African, and South American. 
