Mr. R. Swinhoe on Formosan Ornithology. 405 
somewhat longer than the rest. Bill along culmen 1 in., to gape 
1^, black, purplish at the swollen base of upper mandible, and 
greenish ochre at base of lower. The basal half of the culmen 
is fleshy, and shrinks when dry, which makes the fore part of the 
bill much higher; but in fresh examples the culminar line in all 
Charadriidce is much more nearly straight than would appear from 
ordinary drawings. Iris deep umber. Ear as large as the eye, 
round, operculum well exposed. The whole of the upper parts 
of the bird, and the sides of its breast more especially, are washed 
with a warm buff tint. Exposed tibia, to joint, ^ in; tarsus 1J. 
Legs greenish grey, yellower on the tarsi, and browner on the 
toes ; claws deep brown. 
121. ^Egialites geoferoii (Wagl.). 
Charadrius leschenaultii , Lesson. 
Ch.fuscus, Cuv. 
Hiaticula rufinus, Blyth. 
This, the largest species of Ring-Plover known, was abundant 
on the sandy shores of Formosa. The stomachs of those I 
examined were lined with epithelia of a mud-colour, and filled 
with remains of small univalve mollusks and Crustacea. This 
species is at once to be recognized by its large size, its heavy 
bill, and by its having no indications of the white nuchal collar. 
$, shot 29th August 1861. “Length 8^ in.; wing 5^; 
tail 2^q, of 12 feathers. Bill blackish brown, ochreous flesh- 
colour at base of lower mandible. Inside of mouth flesh-colour; 
tongue blackish at tip. Eye large and blackish brown. Legs 
light yellowish grey, with a tinge of green; toes more leaden- 
coloured, with black claws.” 
122. iEaiALiTES cantianus (Lath.). 
Very abundant all the year round. Numbers breed with us. 
This species is very variable in the length of bill, as also in the 
intensity of the red and black of its nuptial dress. Some speci¬ 
mens also, during summer, become very much faded, some almost 
to albinism. yEgialites nivosa , Cassin, seems to me no other than 
this bird. Cassinis species was founded on a single specimen 
procured in California (see f Birds of North America/ p. 696). 
