* 



THE NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



CLASS II. BIRDS. 



VERTEBRATED WARM-BLOODED OVIPAROUS ANIMALS, BREATHING BY LUNGS, WHICH ARE UN- 

 DIVIDED AND ATTACHED TO THE RIBS. MOUTH ELONGATED INTO A HORNY BILL. BODY 

 COVERED WITH FEATHERS ; WITH TWO WINGS AND TWO FEET. FORMED FOR FLYING. 



ORDER I. ACCIPITRES. 



Bill strong, more or less hooked, covered towards the base by a membrane called 

 a cere. Wings powerful. Legs usually stout. Tibia muscular, completely 

 feathered. Toes four, three in front and one behind. Claws stout, acute, 

 curved and retractile. Tail of 12 - 14 feathers. 



Obs. This order is commonly known under the name of Birds of prey, including Hawks, 

 Eagles, Owls, &c. Live upon the smaller living quadrupeds, birds, reptiles, fishes and in- 

 sects, and also upon dead bodies. Females larger than the males. The order includes 

 several families, at the head of which is usually placed the 



FAMILY VULTVRIDM. 



Head and part of the neck divested of feathers, or covered with a short down. Toes and 

 tarsus bare of feathers ; the latter shorter than the middle toe. Outer toes connected 

 at the base by a membrane. Claws not much incurved, and rather blunt. Eyes not pro- 

 minent. 



Obs. This is the only family, among the birds of prey, which feeds its young by disgorging 

 its own food. Feeds almost exclusively on carrion. Comprises at present ten species, all 

 peculiar to America, of which one only is seen in this State, where it is a rare but occasional 

 visiter. 



[Fauna — Part 2.] 1 



