OCR Text |
Show 1866.] PROF. w. L I L L J E B O R G O N T H E CLASS O F BIRDS. 9 it of its most distinguishing character. They seem also to cause confusion if they are arranged within either of the orders Passeres or Zygodactyli; and we have therefore considered it right to arrange them as a distinct order-Strisores, which name was given to them by Cabanis in 1847. However distinct they seem to be, as well from the Columbine section and the Birds of prey as from the Zygodactyli, it is very difficult to find any character that sharply and distinctly distinguishes them from these three orders; and we have been compelled to use a character in the scheme that does not belong to all, although the majority of them possess it. They appear to be an intermediate group between Accipitres, Zygodactyli, and Passeres. The order Longipennes has generally had a very changeable place in the system, sometimes the first among the swimmers, sometimes the last. When the swimmers are, as here, arranged in two groups according to the form of the beak, their place is, as will be seen from the scheme, unquestionable, as we of course must begin with the Pygopodes. The Longipennes approach these very nearly in the genera Pujjinus and Halodroma. Puffinus has, together with Colymbus and Podiceps, a long pyramidal erect process at the upper end of the tibia, and the tarsi are compressed like theirs. The genera Phalacrocorax and Mergus form an intermediate link between the Steganopodes and the Lamellirostres. First Bivision or Subclass. NATATORES, Illiger; Sundevall. Upper part of the crus (tibia and fibula) not free, but drawn in within the skin that covers the body*. The basis of the hind toe above that of the anterior toes, the hind toe sometimes absent. Legs short; and the anterior toes, sometimes even the hind toes, united by web. The upper large wing-coverts of the first row on the lower arm (antibrachium) extend in all beyond the middle of the cubital quills. All, with the exception of Podiceps, have, as far as is known, two carotides communes. Group 1. SIMPLICIROSTRES. The bill without laminae. Doubly monogamousf. "Altrices ;" that is, carry food to their young. Order 1. PYGOPODES, Illiger. The legs are placed far back ; and the hind toe is, when it is present, free. The wings short, hardly extending to the base of the tail. The'tail short, or none at all. Heavy, clumsy birds, that dive well, but walk badlv. Note.-This order contains the typical forms of Natatores. * Some of the Longipennes are said to form an exception to this. t Both the old ones sit on the eggs, take care of the young, and carry food to them. |