Genus HETERALOCHA, Cabanis. Endemic.

Gen. Char.—Bill long, arched, and acutely pointed, with the culmen, lateral margins, and gonys curved to the tips; much produced in the female, forming a sexual character; the sides compressed; the nostrils basal, lateral, and placed in a short, broad, membranous groove, which is mostly covered by the projecting plumes, leaving the opening small and exposed. Wings long and rounded, with the fifth, sixth, and seventh quills nearly equal and longest. Tail rather long, broad, and somewhat rounded. Tarsi much longer than the middle toe robust, and curved in front, with slightly divided broad scales. Toes long and robust, with the inner toe shorter than the outer and free at the base; the outer united at its base; the hind toe two thirds the length of the tarsus, and armed with a very long, strong, curved, acute claw; those of the fore toes long, curved, and acute.

Genus CREADION, Vieillot. Endemic.

Gen. char.—Bill longer than the head and rather straight, with the culmen flattened and sloping and the sides compressed to the tip, which is depressed and obtuse; the lateral margins straight, and angulated near the base; the gonys long and ascending; the nostrils lateral, and placed in a membranous groove, which is mostly clothed with short feathers, with the opening suboval. Wings short and rounded, with the first quill short, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth equal and longest. Tail long and rounded. Tarsi nearly as long as the middle toe, and covered in front with almost entire scales. Toes long; the lateral toe unequal, with the outer united at the base; the hind toe long and strong; the claws long, curved, and very acute.

Genus MIRO, Lesson. Endemic.

Gen. char.—Bill two thirds the length of the head, slender, straight, higher than broad, sides compressed, the culmen slightly curved, the gonys long and ascending; nostrils basal, the opening rather large and suboval. Wings moderate, extending to half the length of the tail, rounded and concave, with the first quill very short, the third nearly as long as the fourth, which is the longest, the fifth and sixth scarcely shorter. Tail moderate, rather broad and even, the feathers cut sharply off at their tips. Tarsi very long and slender.

Genus MYIOMOIRA, Reichenbach. Endemic.

Gen. char.—The same as in Miro, except that the bill is shorter, being only one third the length of the head, narrow and sharp-pointed; the wings longer, extending for two thirds the length of the tail; and the claw of hind toe weaker.

Genus GERYGONE, Gould. New Zealand, Australia, New Guinea, and Indo-Malayan Islands.

Gen. char.—Bill moderate, slender and straight, with the culmen slightly curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which projects beyond the lower mandible; the gonys long and ascending; the nostrils basal and in a membranous groove, with the opening linear. Wings rather short and rounded, with the first quill very short, and the third nearly as long as the fourth, which is the longest; fifth and sixth scarcely shorter. Tail long and rather rounded. Tarsi twice the length of the middle toe, slender, and covered in front with an entire scale. Toes moderate, with the inner toe shorter than the outer, which is united at its base; the hind toe long, and armed with a moderately strong, curved claw.

Genus CLITONYX, Reichenbach. Endemic.

Gen. char.—Bill half as long as the head, robust, with the culmen curved and the gonys ascending; the tip page Ixiv of the upper mandible projecting over the lower; the nostrils basal, with a large suboval opening. Wings rather long, reaching to the middle of the tail, much rounded, with the fifth and sixth quills equal and longest. Tail rather long, broad, and rounded, the feathers slightly incurved, and the shafts more or less denuded at their tips. Tarsi much longer than the middle toe, and protected anteriorly by broad scales. Toes strong, and armed with well-curved, acute claws, that of the hind toe specially so.

Genus Sphenœacus, Strickland. New Zealand and Australia.

Gen. char.—Bill short, and more or less strong, with the culmen more or less curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is entire or slightly emarginated; the gonys long and ascending; the gape furnished with very short weak bristles; the nostrils basal, placed in a membranous groove, with the opening lunate, exposed and partly closed by a scale. Wings short and rounded, with the fourth and fifth quills equal and longest. Tail long, graduated on the sides, with more or less filamentous webs. Tarsi rather longer than the middle toe, strong, and covered in front with broad scutellations. Toes lengthened and slender, with the lateral toes nearly equal, the outer united at its base; the hind toe long, and armed with a long claw.

Genus Zosterops, Vig. & Horsf. New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, India, and the Malay Archipelago.

Gen. char.—Bill moderate, and slightly curved, with the culmen curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is acute and emarginated; the gonys long and slightly ascending; the gape furnished with very short weak bristles; the nostrils basal, and placed in a broad groove, with the opening closed by a lunate scale. Wings moderate, with the first quill very small, and the fourth and fifth equal and longest. Tail moderate, broad and slightly emarginated in the middle. Tarsi rather longer than the middle toe, and covered in front with broad scales. Toes rather long; with the outer toe rather longer than the inner and united at its base; the hind toe long, strong, and armed with a long curved claw.

Genus PROSTHEMADERA, Gray. Endemic.

Gen. char.—Bill long, rather slender, broad and elevated at the base, with the culmen and lateral margins curved and the sides compressed to the tip, which is slightly emarginated and acute; the gonys long and curved; the nostrils basal, large, in a broad membranous groove, and the opening covered by a prominent membranous scale. Wings moderate, with the fifth and sixth quills equal and longest, and the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth more or less emarginated in the middle of the inner webs. Tail long, broad, and rounded on the sides. Tarsi as long as or longer than the middle toe, and covered in front with transverse scales. Toes moderate, with the inner toe shorter than the outer, which is united at its base; the claws long, slender, curved, and very acute.

Genus ANTHORNIS, Gray. Endemic.

Gen. char.—This genus differs from the preceding one in the form of the wings, which are moderate, with the page lxvi first quill short and pointed; the second shorter than the third, acutely pointed in the male, and emarginated and narrowing into a long point in the female; the third rather shorter than the fourth, fifth; and sixth, which are equal, longest, and rounded at the ends.

Genus POGONORNIS, Gray. Endemic.

Gen. char.—Bill moderate, very slender, and much compressed on the sides, with the culmen and lateral margins gradually curved to the tip, which is strongly emarginated; the gonys long and curved; and the gape furnished with lengthened slender bristles; the nostrils basal, large, and placed in a large groove, with the opening linear, oblique, and covered by a membranous scale. Wings moderate, with the fourth quill the longest. Tail moderate and emarginated. Tarsi long and robust, and covered in front with transverse scales. Toes long, with the outer longer than the inner, and united at its base; the hind toe long and strong; the claws long, compressed, and acute.

Genus Acanthochæra, Vig. & Horsf. Peculiar to Australia.

Gen. char.—Bill long, rather slender, broad, and elevated at the base, with the culmen and lateral margins curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is slightly emarginated and acute; the gonys long and curved; the nostrils basal, large, in a broad membranous groove, and the opening covered by a prominent membranous scale. Wings moderate and rounded, with the first four quills graduated, and the fifth and sixth equal and longest. Tail long, broad, and graduated on the sides. Tarsi as long as, or longer than, the middle toe, and covered in front with transverse scales. Toes moderate, with the inner toe shorter than the outer, which is united at its base; claws long, slender, curved, and very acute.

Genus XENICUS, Gray. Endemic.

Gen. char.—Bill moderate, more or less straight, moderately narrow at the base, and compressed to tip; culmen slightly curved at the apex; margin straight; gonys angulated one third of its length, and advancing towards the tip, and straight to the base; nostrils sunk in a short broad groove, with the opening large, oval, and partly closed by a membrane. Wings short, rounded, with the third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal and longest. Tarsi lengthened, slender, longer than the middle toe, covered by an entire scale. Toes rather long, slender; inner toe free at the base, the outer one connected nearly to the first joint of the middle toe; claws long, curved, and very acute.

Genus ACANTHIDOSITTA, Lafresnaye. Endemic.

Gen, char.—Bill long, straight, and very slender, with the culmen straight and slightly curved at the tip, the sides compressed, and the gonys long and gradually advancing upwards; the nostrils basal, lateral, and placed in a deep, broad groove, with the opening linear and near the culmen. Wings moderate, with the third and fourth quills the longest, the first shorter than the second, which is shorter than the third and fourth. Tail short and rounded. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe, and covered in front with an almost entire scale. Toes long and very slender, the lateral toes unequal, the outer longest and united at its base, the hind toe nearly as long as the middle one; the claws long, compressed, and curved.

Genus Eudynamis, Vig. & Horsf. Oriental Region, Australia, New Zealand, and Polynesia.

Gen. char.—Bill long, broad, with the culmen curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is slightly emarginated; the gonys short and angulated; the nostrils basal, lateral, and placed in a short membranous groove, with the opening large and exposed. Wings moderate, with the fourth and fifth quills equal and longest. Tail lengthened and rounded. Tarsi rather short, robust, and covered in front with broad scales. Toes unequal, the outer anterior toe the longest.

Genus Chrysococcyx, Boie. Warmer portions of the Old World.

Gen. char.—Bill broad, and rather depressed at the base, with the culmen curved, and the sides gradually compressed towards the tip, which is entire and acute; the gonys long and arched; the nostrils basal, lateral, and placed in a short, broad, membranous groove, with the opening round and exposed. Wings lengthened and pointed, with the third quill the longest. Tail long and graduated, or even, and the outer feathers on each side shorter than the others. Tarsi very short, feathered below the knee, and the exposed part covered with broad scales. Toes unequal; the outer anterior toe the longest, and united to the inner one at the base.

Genus Charadrius, Linn. Cosmopolite.

Gen. char.—Bill more or less short, robust, and straight; the culmen, for two thirds its length, usually depressed, and the tip vaulted and curved; the sides compressed, and furnished on both mandibles with a groove, page lxxi which extends on the upper mandible for two thirds of its length; the nostrils basal, linear, and placed in a groove. Wings long and pointed, with the first quill the longest. Tail moderate, broad, and rounded. Tarsi longer than the middle toe, more or less slender, and covered in front with small reticulated scales. Toes three, moderate; the outer toe longer than the inner, and more or less united at the base by a membrane, the inner toe usually free; the hind toe wanting; the claws small, compressed, and slightly curved.

Genus THINORNIS, Gray. Endemic.

Gen. char.—Bill long, straight, and slender, with the apex scarcely vaulted and acute, the sides compressed, and both mandibles grooved; the nostrils lateral, placed in a groove that extends for two thirds the length of the bill, and the opening linear. Wings long and pointed, with the first and second quills nearly equal and longest. Tail long and rounded. Tarsi as long as, or shorter than, the middle toe, strong and covered with small scales. Toes three, more or less long and robust; with the outer toe rather longer than the inner, and united at the base by a membrane, and all margined on the sides; the hind toe wanting.

Genus ANARHYNCHUS, Quoy & Gaim. Endemic.

Gen. char.—Same as Thinornis, but with the bill asymmetrical, being always turned to the right.

Genus Lobivanellus, Strickland. Australia.

Gen. char.—Bill moderate, and more or less strong, with the culmen depressed at the base and vaulted at the tip, the sides compressed and grooved; the nostrils lateral, basal, and placed in the groove of the upper mandible, which extends for two thirds its length, with the opening linear; the front and sides of the head lobed. Wings long and pointed; with the first, second, and third quills nearly equal and longest; armed at the flexure with a sharp spur. Tail moderate, broad, and even. Tarsi much longer than the middle toe, slender, and covered in front with divided broad scales. Toes four; the three anterior toes long and rather slender; the outer toe longer than the inner, and united at the base; the hind toe short and elevated.

Genus STREPSILAS, Illiger. Cosmopolite.

Gen. char.—Bill rather shorter than the head, straight and slightly depressed at the base, with the culmen straight, and the sides much compressed to the tip, which is truncated; the lateral margins of both mandibles curved upwards at the tip; the gonys moderate and ascending; the nostrils lateral, and placed in a membranous groove that extends half the length of the upper mandible, with the opening linear and longitudinal. Wings very long and pointed, with the first quill the longest. Tail moderate, and slightly rounded. Tarsi as long as the middle toe, robust, and covered in front with broad scales. Toes long, the outer toe rather longer than the inner, and both free at the base, and the sides of all margined by a narrow membrane; the hind toe elevated, with the tip resting on the ground.

Genus Hæmatopus, Linnæus. Most parts of the world.

Gen. char.—Bill longer than the head, strong, straight, with the culmen slightly depressed at the base, and the apical portion much compressed to the tip, which is obtuse; the nostrils placed in a lateral membranous groove, which reaches nearly to the middle of the bill, with the opening linear. Wings long, with the first quill the longest. Tail moderate and even, or slightly rounded. Tarsi strong, longer than the middle toe, and covered with small reticulated scales. Toes moderate, strong; the lateral toes united to the middle toe by a basal membrane, especially the outer one; the claws strong, broad, and slightly curved.

Genus Recurvirostra, Linn. Most parts of the world.

Gen. char.—Bill very long and slender, with the culmen slightly depressed at the base, the sides grooved to the middle and compressed to the tip, which is gradually pointed; the nostrils lateral, and placed in the groove, with the opening linear and membranous. Wings long and pointed, with the first quill the longest. Tail short and rounded. Tarsi much longer than the middle toe, rather compressed, and covered in front with reticulated scales. Toes united together by an indented web; the outer toe rather longer than the inner; the hind toe extremely short; the claws short, compressed, and acute.

Genus Himantopus, Brisson. Most parts of the world.

Gen. char.—Bill much longer than the head, very slender and straight, with the sides grooved to the middle and compressed towards the tip, which is acute; the nostrils basal, and placed in the groove, with the opening long, linear, and closed by a membrane. Wings long and pointed, with the first quill the longest. Tail short and nearly even. Tarsi very long, slender, and covered in front with reticulated scales. Toes moderate, and united at the base by a small membrane, especially the outer toe; the hind toe wanting; the claws small, compressed, and acute.

Genus Phalaropus, Brisson. Inhabits the northern regions of the globe, migrating to the more temperate climes during severe winters.

Gen. char.—Bill as long as, or longer than, the head, more or less slender, but sometimes enlarged and depressed towards the tip, which is curved and acute; the sides grooved for nearly its whole length, in which groove the nostrils are placed, with the opening basal, linear, and partly closed by a membrane. Wings long and pointed, with the first and second quills equal and longest. Tail more or less short or rounded. Tarsi as long as, or longer than, the middle toe, rather robust and compressed. Toes long; the lateral toes united to the middle by a membrane that runs along the margin of each toe, which is more or less lobed; the hind toe moderate, elevated, and slightly margined by a membrane; the claws short and acute.

Genus Gallinago, Leach. Cosmopolite.

Gen. char.—Bill long, straight, grooved, and compressed on the sides, and the culmen rather depressed near the tip, which is obtuse, and curved over that of the lower mandible; the nostrils basal, placed in the groove, with the opening oblong and exposed. Wings moderate and pointed, with the first and second quills equal and longest. Tail short and rounded. Tarsi moderate, shorter than the middle toe, strong, and covered in front with narrow transverse scales; the tibia bare for a short space above the tarsal joint. Toes long, the inner toe shorter than the outer, and free at their base; the hind toe moderate and elevated, with the claw long and curved.

Genus Tringa, Linn. All the more genial parts of the world.

Gen. char.—Bill as long as, or longer than, the head, straight, slender, with the sides compressed at the base, and rather dilated and depressed at the tip; the nostrils placed in a nasal groove, which extends to near the tip, basal, lateral, and longitudinal. Wings moderate and pointed, with the first quill the longest. Tail rather short and nearly even. Tarsi strong, rather long, and covered in front with transverse scales. Toes moderate, slightly united at the base of the outer toe, and all margined on the sides by a membrane; the hind toe very small and elevated.

Genus Totanus, Bechstein. Both Hemispheres, and especially in the temperate and northern portions.

Gen. char.—Bill more or less long and strong, with the culmen straight or slightly curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is slightly curved and acute; the gonys long and slightly curved upwards; the nostrils linear, and placed in a membranous groove, which does not extend beyond half the length of the bill. Wings reaching beyond the end of the tail and pointed, with the first quill the longest. Tail moderate and nearly even. Tarsi as long as, or longer than, the middle toe, more or less slender, and covered in front with numerous very narrow scales. Toes long, slender, the anterior toes united by a membrane, especially the outer; the hind toe slender, elevated, and hardly touching the ground.

Genus Limosa, Brisson. Cosmopolite.

Gen. char.—Bill long, rather slender, and more or less inclined upwards towards the tip, with the sides compressed and grooved on both mandibles for nearly their entire length; the nostrils lateral, basal, and placed in the groove, with the opening longitudinal and closed by a membrane. Wings long and pointed, with the first quill the longest. Tail short and even. Tarsi longer than the middle toe, rather slender, and covered in front with narrow transverse scales. Toes long; the outer toe united to the middle toe by a membrane as far as the first joint; the inner toe slightly united; the hind toe long, slender, and partly resting on the ground; the claws short and obtuse.

Genus Numenius, Latham. Cosmopolite.

Gen. char.—Bill more or less long, slender, and curved from the base, with the sides compressed and grooved for nearly its whole length; the tip of the upper mandible projecting over that of the lower, and rather obtuse; the nostrils basal, lateral, and placed in the lateral groove, with the opening longitudinal, and covered by a membrane. Wings long and pointed, with the first quill the longest. Tail short and even. Tarsi longer than the middle toe, slender, and covered in front with narrow transverse scales. Toes moderate, the lateral ones unequal and united at their base; the hind toe long, slender, and partly resting on the ground; the claws short and obtuse.

Genus Larus, Linn. All parts of the world except Polynesia.

Gen. char.—Bill more or less strong, as long as or shorter than the head, straight, and laterally compressed, with the culmen straight at the base and arched to the tip, the gonys slightly angulated and advancing upwards; the nostrils lateral, with the opening near the middle of the bill, and longitudinal. Wings lengthened and pointed, with the first quill the longest. Tail moderate and even. Tarsi nearly as long as the middle toe, strong, and covered in front with transverse scales. Toes moderate, the anterior ones united by a full web; the hind toe short and elevated.

Genus Stercorarius, Brisson. The colder regions of both Hemispheres.

Gen. char.—Bill moderate, straight, and strong, with the culmen straight, rounded, and covered with a membranous or bony cere; the apex curved, vaulted, and strong; the gonys much angulated and ascending; the nostrils placed in the fore part of the cere, narrow, and enlarging anteriorly. Wings lengthened and pointed, with the first quill the longest. Tail moderate and rounded, with the two centre feathers sometimes lengthened. Tarsi longer than the middle toe, strong, and covered in front with strong scales. Toes moderate and strong, the anterior one united by a full web; the hind toe very small and hardly elevated.

Genus Sterna, Linn. Cosmopolite.

Gen. char.—Bill more or less long, strong, with the culmen slightly curved to the tip, which is acute; the gonys straight, and half the length of the bill; the nostrils lateral, placed towards the middle of the bill, and longitudinal, with the frontal plumes advancing close to, or near, the opening. Wings very long and pointed, with the first quill the longest. Tail more or less long and generally forked. Tarsi more or less long and slender. Toes moderate, the two outer ones nearly equal, and the three anterior ones united by an indented web; the hind toe very short; the claws moderate, slightly curved, and acute.

Genus Hydrochelidon, Boie. Southern Hemisphere.

Gen. char.—Bill strong, short, with the culmen rather arched to the tip, which is acute; the sides compressed, and the gonys long, straight, and advancing upwards to the tip; the nostrils basal, lateral, and longitudinal, with the frontal plumes projecting to the opening. Wings long, with the first quill the longest. Tail moderate and slightly emarginated. Tarsi rather shorter than the middle toe and slender. Toes long, slender, the two outer toes equal and longest, the three anterior toes united only at the base, the web continuing along the inner margin of each toe; the hind toe moderate and slender; the claws also long and slender.

Genus Rallus, Linn. Cosmopolite.

Gen. char.—Bill longer than the head, slender, and straight, with the culmen slightly curved from the front of the nostrils, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is obtuse and slightly emarginated; the gonys long and slightly curved upwards; the nostrils placed in a membranous groove, which extends for two thirds the length of the bill, with the opening exposed and linear. Wings short, with the second and third quills equal and longest. Tail short and rounded. Tarsi moderate, shorter than the middle toe, and covered with transverse scales. Toes long and rather slender, the inner toe shorter than the outer, both free at their base; the hind toe short and slender; the claws short, compressed, and very acute.

Genus Ortygometra, Linnæus. Australia, New Zealand, and Polynesia.

Gen. char.—Bill shorter than the head, and more or less strong, with the culmen keeled, slightly curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is slightly emarginated; the gonys short and ascending; the nostrils lateral and placed in a membranous groove, with the opening exposed, linear, and near the middle. Wings moderate, with the second and third quills equal and longest. Tail short and graduated. Tarsi rather robust. Toes more or less long and slender, with the inner toe rather shorter than the outer, the hind toe very slender, and rather short; the claws moderate, compressed, and acute.

Genus OCYDROMUS, Wagler. Endemic.

Gen. char.—Bill rather long, and very strong, with the culmen slightly curved and the sides much compressed to the tip, which is slightly emarginated; the gonys short and ascending; the nostrils lateral, and placed in the page lxxv fore part of a membranous groove, with the opening oval and exposed. Wings very short and rounded, with the fifth and sixth quills equal and longest; the secondaries and the coverts lengthened and very soft. Tail more or less lengthened, round and soft. Tarsi robust, shorter than the middle toe and covered with transverse scales. Toes long and strong, with the inner toe rather shorter than the outer, the hind toe short and rather slender; the claws moderate and rather acute.

Genus Porphyrio, Brisson. Most parts of the World.

Gen. char.—Bill short, very much elevated at the base, which is flat and broadly dilated on the forehead; the culmen much arched to the tip; the sides much compressed; the nostrils placed in a small nasal groove and rounded. Wings moderate, with the second, third, and fourth quills nearly equal and longest. Tail short and rounded. Tarsi long, shorter than the middle toe, and scutellated with broad transverse scales. Toes very long, slender, and free at their base, with the lateral ones unequal, the outer longest; the claws long, slender, and some what curved.

Genus NOTORNIS, Owen. Endemic.

Gen. char.—Bill somewhat shorter than the head; greatly compressed on the sides, both mandibles being much deeper than broad; tomia sharp, curving downwards, inclining inwards and slightly serrated; culmen elevated, much arched and rising on the forehead to a line with the posterior angle of the eye; nostrils round and placed in a depression near the base of the bill. Wings very short, rounded, and slightly concave; primaries soft and yielding, the first short, the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh equal and the longest. Tail-feathers soft, yielding, and loose in texture. Tarsi powerful, longer than the toes, almost cylindrical; very broad anteriorly, defended in front and on either side posteriorly by broad and distinct scutellæ; the spaces between the scutellæ reticulated. Anterior toes large and strong, armed with powerful hooked nails, and strongly scutellated on their upper surface; hind toe short, strong, placed somewhat high on the tarsus, and armed with a blunt hooked nail.

Genus CABALUS, Hutton. Confined to the Chatham Islands.

Rallus philippensis.
Cabalus dieffenbachii.

Gen. char.—Bill longer than the head, moderately slender and slightly curved, compressed in the middle and slightly expanding towards the tip; nostrils placed in a membranous groove, which extends beyond the middle of the bill; openings exposed, oval, near the middle of the groove. Wings very short, rounded; quills soft, the outer page lxxvi webs as soft as the inner, fourth and fifth the longest, first nearly as long as the second; a short compressed claw at the end of the thumb. Tail very short and soft, hidden by the coverts. Tarsi moderate, shorter than the middle toe, flattened in front, and covered with transverse scales. Toes long and slender, inner nearly as long as the outer; hind toe short, very slender, and placed on the inner side of the tarsus; claws short, compressed, blunt.

Note.—This genus was established by Professor Hutton for the reception of a small form of flightless Rail, which he had previously described under the name of Rallus modestus. In my former edition I treated the bird as the young of Rallus dieffenbachii, an extremely rare form of Rail from the Chatham Islands, which Mr. G. R. Gray had originally placed in the genus Ocydromus. It has been clearly shown that Cabalus modestus has Ocydromine characters in its skeleton, and, whether an adult bird or not, it is undoubtedly right to separate it generically from Rallus.

Mr. Sharpe, in treating of Cabalus dieffenbachii (App. Voy. Ereb. & Terr. p. 29), says:—“In his latest article on the ‘Birds of New Zealand,’ Dr. Finsch believes in Rallus modestus of Hutton being a distinct species from R. dieffenbachii. I examined the type of Captain Hutton’s species, and thoroughly believe it to be the young of the latter Rail. Perhaps Captain Hutton is right in referring this Rail to a genus or subgenus intermediate between Rallus and Ocydromus, and 1 have therefore, for the present, adopted his genus Cabalus.”

Genus Ardea, Linn. Most parts of the World.

Gen. char.—Bill lengthened and more or less slender, with the culmen nearly straight to the tip, which is acute and emarginated, the sides compressed, and the lateral margins straight and sometimes serrated; the gonys moderate and ascending; the nostrils lateral, basal, and placed in a groove, which extends for more than half the length of the bill, with the opening linear, and closed by a membranous scale. Wings long, with the first quill nearly as long as the second and third, which are equal and longest. Tail rather short and even. Tarsi longer than, or as long as, the middle toe, rather slender, and covered in front with transverse scales, those near the toes large and of a hexagonal form. Toes long and rather slender; the outer toe longer than the inner, and united at the base; the hind toe long; the claws moderate, slight, curved, and acute.

Genus Nycticorax, Stephens. Most parts of the World.

Gen. char.—Bill rather longer than the head, strong, with the culmen gradually curved, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is emarginated; the gonys long and ascending; the nostrils lateral and placed in a groove, with the opening linear and closed by a membranous scale. Wings long, with the first quill shorter than the second and third, which are equal and longest. Tail short and even. Tarsi as long as the middle toe, rather strong, and covered with large irregular scales. Toes long, rather slender; the outer toe longer than the inner, both united at their base, especially the former; the hind toe long, rather slender, and on the same plane with the others; the claws moderate, curved, and acute.

Genus Botaurus, Stephens. All parts of the World.

Gen. char.—Bill long and straight, with the culmen straight, flattened at the base, and rounded and curved to the tip, which is strongly emarginated, and the sides compressed; the gonys short and ascending; the nostrils basal, and placed in a deep groove that extends for two thirds of the length of the bill, with the opening linear. Wings long, with the three first quills equal and longest. Tail short and even. Tarsi as long as the middle toe, rather strong, and covered in front with broad transverse scales. Toes very long and rather slender; the claws very long, slightly curved, and very acute.

Genus Phalacrocorax, Brisson. Cosmopolite.

Gen. char.—Bill moderate, straight, somewhat slender, with the culmen concave and suddenly hooked at the tip; the sides compressed and grooved; the nostrils basal, linear, placed in the lateral groove, and scarcely visible. Wings moderate and pointed, with the second and third quills the longest. Tail moderate, and rounded at its end. Tarsi short, one third shorter than the middle toe, much compressed, and covered with reticulated scales. Toes long, with the outer toe rather longer than the middle one, and all four united by a full web. The base of the lower mandible is furnished with a coriaceous pouch, which is capable of extension.

Genus Plotus, Linn. Various parts of America, Asia, and Africa, Australia and New Guinea.

Gen. char.—Bill longer than the head, straight, and very slender, with the sides much compressed to the tip, which is very acute, the lateral margins finely serrated, and the gonys long and slightly ascending; the nostrils basal, linear, and scarcely visible. Wings long, with the second and third quills equal and longest. Tail long and broad towards the end, which is rounded. Tarsi half the length of the middle toe, strong, and covered with small scales. Toes rather long, all united by a broad web; the outer toe as long as the middle one; the claws short, curved, and acute.

Genus Dysporus, Illiger. Cosmopolite.

Gen. char.—Bill longer than the head, robust, straight, broad at the base; with the sides compressed, and grooved towards the tip, which is slightly curved, and the lateral margins obliquely and unequally serrated; the nostrils basal, lateral, linear, placed in a lateral groove and almost invisible. Wings long, pointed, and tuberculated, with the first two quills the longest. Tail moderate and graduated. Tarsi short, one third shorter than the outer toe, rounded anteriorly and keeled posteriorly. Toes lengthened, the outer and middle ones nearly equal, and all four connected by a full membrane; the claws moderate and rather flat, that of the middle toe serrated, and the hind claw rudimental. Beneath the base of the lower mandible is a naked space, reaching towards the breast, which is capable of expansion.

Genus Tachypetes, Vieillot. Confined to the Tropics.

Gen. char.—Bill longer than the head, broad at the base, with the culmen depressed, concave, and suddenly hooked and acute; the sides compressed and grooved; the lateral margins dilated on the sides near the base; the nostrils basal, lateral, linear, placed in the lateral groove, and scarcely visible. Wings extremely long and narrow, with the first two quills the longest. Tail very long and strongly forked. Tarsi very short, one third shorter than the outer toe, much compressed, and half covered with feathers. Toes long, all united by a strongly indented web, the lateral ones unequal, the outer one the longest, and the hind toe half the length of the middle one; the claws moderate and curved. The throat naked, and capable of being dilated into an extending pouch from near the tip of the lower mandible downwards to the breast.

Genus Diomedea, Linnæus. Colder parts of both Hemispheres, but more especially in the Southern Ocean.

Gen. char.—Bill longer than the head, very robust, straight; the sides compressed and longitudinally grooved, with the tip greatly curved and acute; the lateral margins dilated and curved; the culmen broad, convex, and rounded; the lower mandible weak, compressed, with the tip truncated; the nostrils placed near the base, in the lateral groove, covered by a tube which is short, widening and spreading anteriorly from the side of the bill, with the aperture somewhat rounded and open in front. Wings very long, very narrow, with the second quill the longest. Tail short and rounded. Legs short, strong, with the tarsi one fourth shorter than the middle toe, and the inner toe the shortest. The two lateral toes margined exteriorly by a narrow membrane; the web between the toes full and entire; the hind toe and claw entirely wanting; the claws short and obtuse.

Genus Pelecanoides, Lacép. Southern Hemisphere.

Gen. char.—Bill shorter than the head, broad at the base, and much depressed; the sides swollen, grooved, and gradually compressed towards the tip, which is lengthened, compressed, arched, and acute; the lower mandible broad at the base and suddenly compressed at the tip, which is, with the gonys, arched and acute; the sides longitudinally grooved and deep; beneath is placed a membranous pouch, capable of extension; the nostrils basal, one fourth the length of the bill, flattened above, and forming two lengthened, sublinear, exposed apertures, placed side by side on the surface. Wings very short, with the first two quills nearly equal and longest. Tail short and rounded. Tarsi rather shorter than the middle toe, laterally compressed, and covered with small scales. Toes long; the outer nearly as long as the middle toe; the hind toe and claw wanting.

Genus Prion, Lacépède. Southern Hemisphere: generally observed between 30° and 70° south latitude.

Gen. char.—Bill the length of the head, broad or very broad at the base, depressed above; culmen nearly straight, laterally swollen, but gradually compressed towards the tip, which is arched, elevated, compressed and acute; the lateral margins dilated near the base, with a series of very fine laminæ running along the whole length internally rather above the margin; the lower mandible broad at the base, gradually compressed towards the tip, which is page lxxix much compressed, with the margin and gonys arched; the nostrils basal, tubular, elevated above the culmen, short, opening with two apertures in front. Wings moderate, pointed, with the first quill nearly equalling the second, which is the longest. Tail moderate, broad, and rounded at the end. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe, laterally compressed, and covered with small scales. Toes long, the outer nearly as long as the middle, and the hind toe nearly in the form of a broad, short, pointed claw.

Prion turbur.
Prion vittatus.

Genus Halobæna, Is. Geoff. Southern Hemisphere.

Gen. char.—Bill nearly as long as the head, more or less broad at the base; the sides gradually compressed towards the tip, which is much elevated and arched, lengthened and acute; the upper mandible furnished near its edge with laminated serrations, but few and inconspicuous as compared with Prion; the lower mandible shorter than the upper, with the tip and gonys arched and acute; the nostrils basal, tubular, horny, elevated above the culmen, with the aperture double, frontal, and crescent-shaped. Wings long, pointed, with the first quill the longest, and the second scarcely shorter. Tail moderately long and truncated. Legs with the apical part of the thigh hardly naked. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe, laterally compressed, and covered with small scales. Toes long, with the outer as long as the middle toe, the inner shortest, and all united by a full web; the lateral toes margined exteriorly, the hind toe in the form of a large subtriangular claw.

Genus Daption, Stephens. Southern Hemisphere.

Gen. char.—Bill much dilated, unguis small and weak; inter-ramal space wide and partially naked; oblique sulci on inner face of cutting-edge of mandible; nasal tubes long. Wings long and pointed, with the second primary nearly as long as the first. Tail rather short, moderately rounded. Tarsi and toes as in Œstrelata.

Genus ŒStrelata, Bonaparte. Chiefly confined to Southern Hemisphere.

Gen. char.—Bill about as long as the tarsus, stout, compressed, higher than broad throughout, lateral outlines nearly straight, and converging to the unguis, which is much compressed; unguis very large and strong; outline of upper mandible very convex, rising almost immediately from the end of the nasal tubes, leaving but a very short and quite concave culmen proper; outline of lower mandible nearly straight, the gonys a little concave; sulci on both mandibles distinct. Wings rather long, extending beyond the tail when folded, and pointed; the second primary nearly as long as the first. Tail, which is composed of twelve feathers, long and much produced, sometimes almost cuneate, usually much rounded. Tarsi moderately compressed, and about as long as, or a little less than, middle toe; hallux short, sessile, conical, acute, and elevated.

Genus Ossifraga, Hombr. et Jacq.

Gen. char.—Bill as long as, or rather exceeding, the tarsus, very robust; the nasal case very long, depressed, carinated, the aperture small. Wings of moderate length, reaching to end of tail. Tail moderately long and rounded. Tarsi short, being much less than the middle toe without its claw, compressed, stout, reticulated.

Genus Thalassœca, Reich. Southern Hemisphere.

Gen. char.—Bill slightly shorter than the tarsus, higher than broad at the base, the commissure a little curved. Wings of moderate length, reaching to the end of tail. Tail short, more or less rounded, composed of fourteen feathers. Tarsi slender, compressed, reticulated, shorter than the middle toe; outer toe as long as the middle one; inner toe considerably shorter; hallux very short, being only observable as a stout, obtuse, subconical claw.

Genus Puffinus, Brisson. Both Hemispheres.

Gen. char.—Bill as long as, or shorter than, the head, much compressed, and grooved obliquely on the sides; the tip lengthened, arched, suddenly hooked and acute; the lower mandible somewhat shorter than the upper, with the apical margin and gonys equally curved with the upper, the latter angulated beneath, and the sides longitudinally grooved; the nostrils basal, elevated above the culmen, opening obliquely in two tubes, placed side by side. Wings long, slender, somewhat acute, with the first quill the longest. Tail moderate and rounded, composed of twelve feathers. Legs moderate, with the apical part of the tibia naked. Tarsi compressed and equal in length to the middle toe. Toes long, the outer equal to the middle one, the inner shortest, and the lateral toes margined exteriorly by a narrow membrane.

Genus Adamastor, Bonaparte. Southern Hemisphere.

Gen. char.—Bill about three fourths the length of the tarsus, broad and stout at the base, narrowing regularly to the strong, very convex, compressed unguis; nasal tubes rather long, very broad, depressed, but vertically truncated at their extremity, and with an unusually thin septum. Wings rather short, the primaries broad and stout, the second as long as the first. Tail rather short and slightly cuneate. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe without its claw, outer toe larger than the middle.

Genus Majaqueus, Reich. Southern Hemisphere.

Gen. char.—Bill a little shorter than the head, about equal to the tarsus, stout, compressed, higher than broad at the base, the culmen rising immediately from the nostrils; unguis large, very convex, much hooked, commissure unusually curved; outline of lower mandible straight as far as the unguis; nasal tubes long, elevated laterally, obliquely flattened, carinated along the median line, apically truncated, with a considerable emargination; the nostrils circular. Wings comparatively long. Tail very short and subtruncated, the graduation of the lateral feathers being slight. Tarsi greatly abbreviated, being much shorter than the middle toe without its claw; outer toe, without claw, longer than the middle; tip of inner claw reaching to base of middle one.

Genus Oceanites, Keys, et Blas. Almost cosmopolite on the high seas.

Gen. char.—Bill shorter than the head, slender, weak, the sides much compressed, and slightly grooved, with the tip suddenly hooked and acute; the lower mandible shorter than, the upper, the tip arched, with the gonys hardly angular beneath; the nostrils elevated above the culmen at its base, tubular, with a single aperture in front. Wings long and pointed, with the first quill much longer than the third, and the second the longest. Tail of moderate length and even. Legs long, slender, with the naked space of the tibia extensive. Tarsi longer than the middle toe, and ocreate in front. Toes rather short, the outer toe nearly equal to middle one, and the inner the shortest, with the claws rather narrow and pointed.

Genus Pelagodroma, Reich. Southern Hemisphere.

Gen. char.—Differs from Oceanites in having the second quill shorter than the third, the tail furcate, and the tarsi scutellated in front, with the nails broad and flattened, and the hallux in the form of a triangular claw.

Genus Garrodia, Forbes. Southern Hemisphere.

Gen. char.—Similar to Pelagodroma, but with somewhat shorter legs, and having the sternum posteriorly entire, instead of being excavated on its margin.

Genus Fregetta, Bonaparte. Southern Hemisphere.

Gen. char.—Differs from Pelagodroma in having the tarsi ocreate, the feet very short, with the uails peculiarly broad and blunt.

Genus Anas, Linn. Cosmopolite.

Gen. char.—Bill longer than the head, higher than broad at the base, nearly of equal breadth throughout; the culmen nearly straight, and depressed to the tip, which is armed with a strong broad nail; the lamellæ of the upper mandible hardly visible beyond the lateral margin, strong, and widely set, especially near the middle; the nostrils placed near the base of the culmen, lateral and oval. Wings moderate and pointed, with the tertials lengthened and acute, and with the first quill the longest. Tail short and wedge-shaped. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe and compressed. Toes united by a full web; and the hind toe small and somewhat lobed.

Genus NESONETTA, Gray. Endemic.

Gen. char.—Bill shorter than the head, the width and elevation at the base equal; the culmen gradually sloping to the tip, which is armed with a moderate-sized nail, the sides compressed and of equal breadth throughout; the lamellæ of the interior margins of the upper mandible small and widely set, strongest near the base; the nostrils near the base lateral and oval. Wings very short and pointed, with the second quill the longest. Tail short and wedge-shaped, with the end of the stem of each feather bare and rigid. Tarsi robust, about two thirds the length of the middle toe. Toes strong, with the outer toe shorter than the middle, and all the fore toes united by a full web; the hind toe short, elevated, and somewhat lobed.

Genus Mergus, Linn. North Temperate regions; also Auckland Islands.

Gen. char.—Bill as long as, or longer than, the head, straight, slender; the culmen elevated, and convex towards the tip, which is suddenly hooked and armed with a large broad nail; the lateral margins of both mandibles serrated with short and widely-set teeth, all pointing backwards; the nostrils lateral, placed near the base of the bill, oblong, pierced longitudinally in a membrane and pervious. Wings moderate and pointed, with the first and second quills of nearly equal length and longest. Tail moderate and graduated. Tarsi shorter than the middle toe. Toes moderate; the outer and middle ones of nearly equal length, and the three anterior ones united by a full web; the hind toe moderate and much lobed.

Genus Casarca, Bonaparte. Europe, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

Gen. char.—Bill as long as the head, nearly straight, the width equalling the height at the base, the anterior half depressed, and scarcely curved upwards at the tip, which is armed with a strong, broad nail; the basal part of the lateral margin straight, and the apical part slightly curved upwards; the lamellae of the upper mandible prominent below the lateral margins, slender, and set rather widely apart; the nostrils suboval, near the base of culmen. Wings moderate, with the second quill the longest. Tail short and rounded. Tarsi robust, shorter than the middle toe. Toes long, and united by a full web; and the hind toe long, elevated, and lobed.

Genus Dendrocygna, Swainson. Most parts of the World, but migratory in their habits.

Gen. char.—Bill long, higher at the base than broad, with the culmen sloping to the tip, which is armed with a strong, broad nail, and the lateral margins straight; the lamellae of the upper mandible advancing below the lateral margins, slender, and set widely apart; the nostrils large, oval, and placed near the base of culmen. Wings short and rounded, with the second, third, and fourth quills the longest; the first quill with a deep notch in the middle, and the secondaries nearly as long as the quills. Tail moderate, and rounded at the end. Tarsi slightly shorter than the middle toe, robust. Toes long, the lateral ones united to the middle one by an indentated membrane; and the hind toe very long, elevated, and simple.

Genus Rhynchaspis, Stephens. Most parts of the World.

Gen. char.—Bill longer than the head, narrowed at the base; the culmen straight, depressed, and the side much dilated for nearly half its length from the tip, which is furnished with a small hooked nail; the lamellae of the upper mandible very prominent near the middle, slender and widely set; the nostrils placed near the base and culmen, lateral, and oval. Wings lengthened and pointed, with the first quill nearly as long as the second, which is the longest. Tail rather short and wedge-shaped. Tarsi much shorter than the middle toe. Toes united by a full web, and the hind toe very small and slightly lobed.

Genus Fuligula, Stephens. Besides New Zealand, members of this genus inhabit the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and America, migrating to the temperate parts in winter.

Gen. char.—Bill nearly as long as the head, broader at the base than high, the culmen gradually sloping to the tip, which is armed with a broad and strong nail; the sides dilated, especially anteriorly, where it is rounded, the lateral margins straight and curved upwards to the nail; the lamellæ of the upper mandible not prominent, and widely set; and the nostrils small, oblong, and near the middle of the bill. Wings moderate and pointed, with the first quill the longest. Tail short and rounded. Tarsi half the length of the middle toe and compressed. Toes lengthened and united by a full web.

Genus Nyroca, Fleming. Most parts of the World.

Gen. char.—Bill as long as the head, higher at the base than broad; the culmen gradually sloping towards the tip, which is depressed, slightly dilated, and armed with a strong nail; the lamellæ of the upper mandible not prominent; and the nostrils oval and placed near the base. Wings lengthened and pointed, with the first two quills the longest. Tail short and rounded. Tarsi half the length of the middle toe and compressed. Toes lengthened and united by a full web.

Genus Hymenolæmus, Gray. Endemic.

Gen. char.—Bill as long as the head, equally compressed, elevated at the base, with the culmen for three fourths of its length straight and then slightly sloping to the tip; the sides shelving from the culmen to the lateral margins, of which the basal half is firm, and furnished with lengthened slender laminæ; the apical half of the margin composed of a soft flexible skin that hangs over the lower mandible, widening towards the tip, where it is truncate, and the nail not very prominent; the nostrils situated near the middle, and oval. Wings short, slender, page lxxxiii with the first, second, and third quills nearly equal, but the second the longest; the shoulder armed with a short, blunt spur. Tail lengthened and composed of broad feathers, with the end rather rounded. Tarsi nearly as long as the middle toe, exclusive of the claw; the fore toes strong and fully webbed, and the hind toe moderate and strongly lobed.

Genus Eudyptes, Vieillot. Southern Hemisphere.

Gen. char.—Bill more or less long, straight, much compressed, and grooved on the sides, and the culmen rounded and curved at the tip, which is acute; the end of the lower mandible truncated, and the gonys moderate and advancing upwards; the nostrils linear, placed in the lateral groove, which extends for three fourths of the length of the bill; and the frontal plumes advancing to the opening. Wings imperfect. Tail long, and composed of narrow rigid feathers. Tarsi very short, much flattened, and covered with small scales. Toes long and strong, with the anterior ones united to the middle one by a web, the lateral toes unequal, the outer the longest; the hind toe very small, and united to the tarsus at the base of the inner toe; the claws strong, compressed, and slightly curved.

Genus Eudyptula, Bonaparte. Australia and New Zealand.

Gen. char.—Bill moderate, much compressed, and strong, with the culmen rounded and curved at the tips which is acute; the tip of the lower mandible suddenly truncated, and the gonys moderate and curved upwards; the nostrils rather rounded, and placed in the lateral groove near the middle of the bill. Wings imperfect, and covered with scale-like plumes. Tail very short. Tarsi very short, thick, flattened, and covered with small scales. Toes long, the lateral ones unequal and united to the middle toe by a web; the hind toe very small, and united to the tarsus at the base of the inner toe; the claws long, compressed, and slightly curved.

Genus Aptenodytes, Forster. High southern latitudes only.

Gen. char.—Bill longer than the head, rather slender, compressed on the sides, slightly bent at the end, with the base of the upper mandible covered with short close-set plumes, and the side grooved to near the tip, which is acute; the lower mandible covered with a smooth naked skin; the nostrils linear, and placed in the lateral groove. Wings imperfect, and covered with scale-like plumes. Tail very short, and composed of narrow rigid feathers. Tarsi very short, flattened, and covered with short plumes. Toes rather short and depressed, the anterior ones united by a. web; the lind toe very small, and almost entirely connected to the inner side of the tarsus; the claws large, depressed, and very slightly curved.