RAPTOKES: FALCONS, ETC. 175 



Parrots were formerly included in the old order Scan- 

 sores, being allied to that group by the nature of their 



FIG. 207. 



Foot of a Parrot. 



feet, as they have two toes in front and two behind, the 

 outer forward toe being directed backward. 



SUB-SECTION V. 

 THE ORDER OF RAPTORES OR BIRDS OF PREY. 



THE birds of this order, with few exceptions, are adapted 

 for pursuing and capturing other birds and other animals 

 for food. In general they are of comparatively large size, 

 and have strong, hooked bills, sharp claws, great extent 

 of wing, and powerful muscles ; and the females are gen- 

 erally larger than the males. They live in pairs, and are 



