SYNOPSIS OF THE PRINCIPAL GROUPS. 117 
Columbo. Bill horny and convex at the tip, 
with a soft swelling at the base, in which the 
nostrils open; toes three in front and one 
behind ; hind toe ona level with the others ; 
no after-shaft to the feathers ; oil gland nude ; 
posterior margin of sternum doubly notched 
on each side, and fenestrated. 
Gallince. Legs strong, sometimes spurred ; the 
tibia not naked below; hind toe elevated ; 
bill short and convex ; wings short, rounded, 
concave ; feathers with an after-shaft ; posterior 
notches in the sternum very deep. 
Grallatores. Legs long; the tibia naked 
below ; toes generally long. 
Lamellvrostres. Bill depressed and broad ; both 
mandibles furnished with laminar processes ; 
anterior toes webbed ; the hind toe elevated, 
well developed. 
Steganopodes. Hind toe long and semilateral; 
all four toes united by a web; a gular pouch; 
nostrils minute or rudimentary; sternum broad, 
the posterior end entire, or with a shallow 
notch on each side. 
Longipennes. Wings long and _ pointed; 
anterior toes webbed ; hind toe elevated, small, 
or wanting; tibia naked below; bill not 
depressed, often more or less hooked at the 
tip. 
Pygopodes. Legs posterior; wings short; 
front toes webbed or lobate ; tarsi compressed ; 
feathers with an after-shaft ; plumage thick. 
Ptilopteri. Legs posterior; body evenly 
