FALCONID^ 



CIRCUS 



367 



rounded ; tibia and tarsus practically equal in length ; tarsus 

 feathered at the base only, covered in front with transverse shields, 

 behind with polygonal ones and with smaller scales on either side ; 

 a marked difference as a rule in the plumage of the sexes. 



Fig. 126.— Foot of Cirais ranivorus. x f'n- 



The Harriers are generally distributed throughout the temperate 

 and tropical regions of the Old and New World ; nine species are 

 known from Africa and five of these reach South Africa, two being 

 residents and three migrants from the northern hemisphere, 



