Chapter L: LONGIPENNES. (To most of the characters of the group here

given the genus _Halodroma_ is a signal exception, though
unquestionably belonging here.) Feet palmate. Tibiæ feathered.
Legs at or near centre of equilibrium, affording horizontal
position of axis of body in walking. Knee scarcely buried in
common integument; tibia sometimes with a long apophysis.
Hallux elevated, free, functionless; very small, rudimentary,
or wanting. Rostrum of variable shape, usually compressed and
straight to the hooked end, sometimes entirely straight and
acute, commonly lengthened, always corneous, without serration
or true lamellæ. Nostrils of various forms, tubular or simply
fissured, never abortive. No gular pouch. Wings very long and
pointed, surpassing the base and often the end of the large,
well-formed, few-feathered tail. Carotids double. Palate
schizognathous. Reproduction altricial; young ptilopædic. Eggs
three or fewer. Habit highly volucral.