442 REVIEW OP BIRDS. 



Order 9. AcciPiTRES, Linn6k 



The bill covered with a cere at the base, conTex towards the point; and the 

 point of the upper jaw bent down in the form of a hook. The legs strong, 

 with three anterior toes, which are not united, and are, like the hind toe, anned 

 with strong bent claws. The wings largo, with the large upper wing-coverts 

 of the first row on the lower arm extending beyond the middle of the cubital 

 quills. Two carotides communes. They have a strong power of flying, but 

 run badly,* and do not jump. Doubly monogamous. Altrices, Their food 

 consists generally of vertebrated animals. 



Order 10. Strisores, Cabanis. 



The bill without a cere, hard at the base, without any swollen skin at the 

 nostrils, and of a variable form. Three anterior toes, which are generally united 

 at the base, sometimes there united by a web, and seldom free. The hind toe 

 is at times turned forwards. The claw of the hind toe is smaller than the claw 

 on the middle anterior toe, (Sundevall.) The large upper wing-coverts of the 

 first row on the lower arm extend beyond the middle of the cubital quills. 

 Some of them {^Ccqnimulgus, Coracias, Alcedo) have two carotides communes, 

 and some [Cypsdus, Trochilus, Mcrojjs) have only one. Buccros is unknown 

 as regards its carotides. Some fly remarkably well, others not so well. The 

 legs are short in most of them, and not well adapted for walking. Doubly 

 monogamous. Altrices. 



Note. — A polymorphic group, that shows a tendency as well towards the 

 Accipitres and Zygodactyli as towards the Passeres. 



Order]!. Zygodactyli, Vieillot. 



Two anterior and two hind toes, or sometimes two anterior and one hind toe,t 

 or one hind toe and three anterior ones, the exterior one of which is turned 

 backwards. The claws compressed. The large upper wing-coverts of the first 

 row on the lower arm, except in the Picidai and BucconidcB, do not extend 

 beyond the middle of the cubital quills. Some have two carotides communes, 

 and others (Picus, Ramp/iastos, Cacatua) only one. The power of flying not 

 very good. They generally walk badly on the ground ; but a great many of 

 them climb well on the trees, and cling skilftilly to the branches. Doubly 

 monogamous. Altrices. 



Order 12. Passeres, Linn6; Sundevall. 



Three anterior toes and one hind toe, and the exteri'or anterior toe generally 

 at the base united with the middle one. The claw of the hind toe as large as 

 that of the middle anterior toe ; and its long flexor muscle separated from the 

 muscle that bends the claw phalanx of the anterior toes, (Sundevall.) The large 

 upper wing-coverts of the first row on the lower arm do not extend beyond 

 the middle of the cubital quills, and we meet with only one row of greater upper 

 wing-coverts. As far as known, only one carotis communis, or tnincus caroticus 

 impar, which arises from the left arteria subclavia. Lively and active birds, 

 with a fast and excellent flight, which move easily as well on the ground as on 

 the branches of the trees. They generally jump on the ground, and seldom 

 mn. Some of them have a separate muscular apparatus for singing in the 

 larynx inferior and a more or less exquisite song. Doubly monogamous. 

 Altrices. 



* Gijpogeranus deviates from this. 



t The thumb or the proper hind toe, which corresponds with the inner hind toe in the 

 others, is in this case missing, except in the Trogonidtc, 



