| OCR Text |
Show l8^6.] CUBITAL COVERTS OF BIRDS. 197 I am at present unable to state definitely, but they appear to do judging from stuffed specimens. The pterographical characters of the Limicolee, if we start with the Plovers as the representative of the Order, nearly approach those of the Pigeons. The principal difference lies in the fact that the proximal or backward overlap that characterizes the lowest two, or three, rows of median coverts in all the Desmognathae, and that is so nearly absent in the Pigeons, is again represented more or less perfectly in the majority of the Limicolaa. The distal overlap of all Fig. 21. the feathers next the manual region of the wing, that serves to distinguish the Pigeons from the Gallinae, is a well-marked and constant feature in all the Limicolse. There is one group of feathers, firm on each edge, that extends backwards from the carpal joint down to the greater wing-coverts ; on the distal side of this the median coverts all overlap towards the margin of the win»s on that side, up to the alula, while on the proximal side of the same firm-edged feathers the median coverts overlap in the opposite direction as far as the point where they are met by that of the proximal area, which, again, lap forward. It is difficult to convey an exact idea of this somewhat complex arrangement except by means of a diagram, such as that of the wing of Gallinago caslesti's, fig. 22, p. 198, which well exemplifies the style current throughout not only all the Limicolee, but throughout nearly all birds with a Schizognathous palate. Variations of a minor character occur within the limits of this Order. Even in the case of two birds so closely related as the Common Snipe and the Woodcock (figs. 22, 23), such differences may be detected. The Snipe follows the normal Limicoline style, while that of the Woodcock more resembles aberrant forms such as QZdicnemus, which comes nearer to the Bustards. I was so much struck with the difference alluded to, that I sought for evidence of a deeper-seated and more reliable nature, with a view to getting further information upon this point. Such differences do exist, notably in the structure of the skull; but I have not yet had an opportunity of following |
