SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT OF THE GENERA OF BIRDS xv 
varied in many cases with berries and other fruits, and some of the larger 
species will occasionally prey on mice, reptiles, and the eggs and young of 
birds. Most, perhaps all of the migratory species, lay their eggs in the nests 
of other birds. 
57- C&cuLus (Cuckoo). Bill shorter than the head, broad, depressed 
at the base, with the ridge curved and the sides compressed towards 
the tip, which is entire and acute; nostrils in a membranous groove, 
the opening rounded and exposed; wings pointed, third primary 
longest; tail long, graduated; tarsi very short, feathered below 
the heel. Page 137 
ORDER STRIGES 
(OWLS) 
Head large, feathered ; eyes large, dilated and projecting, each surrounded 
by a concave disc formed of stiff diverging feathers, concealing the cere 
and nostrils; ears large, and of elaborate construction; plumage lax and 
downy, adapted for slow and quiet flight; outer toe reversible; tibia more 
than double the length of tarsus. Food, small quadrupeds, birds, and insects. 
FAMILY STRIGIDA 
SUB-FAMILY STRIGINE 
Bill somewhat elongated, bending at the tip only; head-tufts wanting 
nostrils oval, oblique; facial disc large and complete; ears large, covered 
by an operculum; wings long, the second primary longest; tarsi long, 
feathered to the toes, which are strangely furnished with hair-like feathers ; 
claws long, the middle one serrated beneath. 
58 Strix (White Owl). Characters given above. Page 142 
SUBFAMILY SYRNIINZ 
Bill bending from the base; tufts more or less conspicuous or wanting ; 
facial disc complete; ears large, covered by an operculum ; legs feathered 
to the claws. 
§9. Asio (Eared Owls). Nostrils oval, oblique; tufts more or less elon- 
gated; wings long, second primary the longest. Page 144 
60. Syrnium (Tawny Owl). Nostrils round ; egrets wanting; wings short 
and rounded; fourth primary longest Page 146 
ORDER ACCIPITRES 
(EAGLES, HAWKS, ETC.) 
Bill short, strong, stout at .base, culmen strongly curved. Feet strong, 
armed with powerful talons which are capable of being bent under the feet, 
inner one stronger and more curved than others. Outer toe usually not 
reversible. 
FAMILY FALCONIDZ2 
Head covered with feathers, though sides of face are more or less bare, 
SUB-FAMILY BUTEONINZ 
Bill rather small and weak, bending from the base; cutting edge of the 
upper mandible nearly straight, or but slightly festooned; cere large; 
