Chionidæ.
The birds belonging to this family are characterised by a short, crooked, and stout bill, long and pointed wings, a middling-sized tail, and a merely rudimentary back toe. The size of the Chionides varies between the Partridge and the Pigeon. The species of Chionis, Tinochore, and Attagis are included in this family.
The Chionides are remarkable for their marine habits; they frequent the sea-beach, and feed on sea-weed and animal remains. They are to be found in all southern countries. The Tinochores and the Attagis are natives of Chili and Paraguay: their habits are not known.