THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



23 



Diurnal Birds of Prey {FalconidcB). 



Diagnosis. — Perching birds, with rather short hooked 

 beaks with a cere at base, and the two outer front 

 toes united by web at the base. 



Size. — From that of a sparrow to larger than a goose. 



Form. — Bill medium or short, strongly hooked, often 

 toothed at the tip, base softer and waxy-looking 

 (the cere), corner of mouth reaching nearly or quite 

 below eye ; feet with shanks medium or short, 

 often feathered ; toes, three in front, the outer two 

 usually united by a web at the base, one behind, 

 all armed with strong claws, often very long and 

 sharp ; wings variable, short to very long, rounded 

 or pointed ; tail short to long, usually nearly 

 square, but sometimes rounded, wedge-shaped, 

 or forked. Head usually large and broad, neck 

 generally short, body light, with legs and thighs 

 prominent and clothed with long feathers. 



Plumage and Colouration. — Plumage never briUiant, 

 greys and browns predominating ; many species 

 marked with transverse bars in some parts ; sexes 

 seldom different in colour, though females are gener- 

 ally distinguishable by their superior size. No 

 seasonal change, but young plumage generally 

 different from that of adults. 



Young. — Helpless, and fed by parents, clothed in 

 fluffy down, which generally is pale — usually white 

 — without markings. 



Nest. — An open structure of sticks, placed on trees, 

 rocks, or the ground. A few breed in holes in 

 trees, etc. 



Eggs. — One, two, or several ; white or blotched with 

 red. 



Incubation. — Three to four weeks. 



Courtship. — The male often gives the female food, but 

 I have never seen any display. 



