FALCOXID.E. 



29 



SUB-FAMILY I. 



POLYBORIX.E.* 



The Caracaras. 



Gen Charac— Bill compressed at the sides, slightly hooked at the tip, and the 

 lateral margins slightly festooned ; wings long, with the third to the fifth 

 quills the longest ; tarsi long, slender, and covered with irregular scales ; toes 

 nioderate, strongly scaled above, and all armed with strong acute claws. 



Fig. 12.— the Brazilian kite. 

 (Pohfhoruii Braziliensis.) 



The birds composing this sub-family are all pecu- 

 liar to the warmer parts of South America and the 

 adjacent islands. Their flight is heavy and indolent, 

 and they do not soar into the air^ but only fly from 

 place to place. On the ground they are yery active, 

 and run with great quickness^ after the manner of 

 * TToXvjiopDQ, polyboros, much-devouring, voracious. 



