Thinocoridae

views updated

Thinocoridae (seedsnipe; class Aves, order Charadriiformes) A family of plump, medium-sized, brown, speckled birds, which have short, conical bills, and nostrils protected by a flap. They have long, pointed wings, a short tail, and short legs. When disturbed they have a zigzag flight, like snipe. They inhabit open country, feed on seeds, and nest on the ground. There are two genera, with four species, found in S. America.

More From encyclopedia.com