RAPTORKS — BIRDS OF PREY. 3 



than 450, are valid species, the others ranking as geographical races, or are 

 synonymous with others ; of this number about 350 nominal species are 

 accredited to the Old World. America, however, possesses the greatest 

 variety of forms, and the great bulk of the Old World liaptorial fauna is 

 made ujj chiefly hy a large array of species of a few genera whicli are repre- 

 sented in America by but one or two, or at most half a dozen, species. The 

 genera Aquila, Spi-aiiis, Accipitcr, Haliaivs, Faico, Circua, Athene, Strix, and 

 Bi'fco, are striking examples. As regards tlic numl)er of peculiar forms, 

 America is considerablv ahead. 



