FA L CONID^ — FA L CONIN.E ; FA L CONS. 



663 



nasal septum extensively ossified. Palate with a median keel anteriorly. Superciliary shield 

 proniiueiit, in one large piece. Shoulder-joint strengthened by union of scapular ])rocess of 

 coracoid with clavicle (fig. 444) as in Micrastur, Herpetotheres, and Pohjborince alone of Fal- 

 conidce. Wings strong, long, and pointed, with rigid and usually straight and tapering Hight- 

 feathers ; tip formed by 2d and 3d quills, supported nearly to their ends by Isl and 4th, both 

 of which are longer than 5th ; only one or two outer primaries emarginate on inner webs near 

 end. Tail short and stiff, with more or less tapering rectrices. Feet strong, rather short ; 

 tarsus of less length than tibia, feathered more or less extensively, elsewhere irregularly reticu- 

 late in small pattern varying with the genera or subgenei'a ; never scutellate in single series 



M 



t 



Fig. 455. — American Goshawk, nat. size. 



before or behind. Middle toe very long ; talons very strong. True falcons are thus eminently 

 distinguished from other members of the family ; a glance at the toothed beak suffices for their 

 recognition. They are birds of medium and small size, some kinds being not larger than a 

 Sparrow, but extremely sturdy organization, vigorous physif|ue, and temerarious dis])osition. 

 They capture their quarry with sudden and violent onslauglit, and exhibit raptorial nature in 

 its highest degree. The typical an<l principal genus is Fnico, of which there are several sub- 

 divisions corresponding to minor modifications. Upwards of ."SO species are recognized. Our 

 rather numerous species represent the several grades of Gyrfalcons, Lanuers, Peregrines, Mer- 

 lins, and Kestrels. These I shall consider under one genus, Falco, with indication of the sub- 

 genera. 



FAL'C'O. (Lat. falco, a falcon or fauct)n.) Characters as above, with minor modifications 

 as follows : — 



Anali/sis of Subgenrra, Sprcies, and f!uhspecies. 



TarHus morp or less feathered above, elsewhere irreRuIarly reticulate in small pattern (no large plates like srutella) ; 

 •-M i>nin!»ry lonRfst ; Int longer than 4th, and alone decidedly emarginate on imier web. ( Gy r/d/foru and Lan- 

 ners.) ^HlEROFALCo.) 



