SYNOPSIS 
OF THE 
CHARACTERISTICS OF NORTH-AMERICAN BIRDS. 
HE following synopsis of the orders of birds, taken 
partly from Keyserling and Blasius, will serve to illus- 
trate the characteristics of the higher groups in American 
Ornithology : — 
A.—Hinp Tor ON THE SAME LEVEL WITH THE ANTERIOR 
ONES. 
a. Posterior face or the sides of the tarsus more or less reticu- 
lated, granulated, or with scales more numerous or smaller than 
in front; sometimes naked. Anterior face of the tarsus never in 
one unbroken plate. Larynx without complex vocal muscles. 
Order I. Raprrorres.— Base of the upper mandible with a 
soft skin or cere. Upper mandible compressed; its point curving 
down over that of the lower, forming a strong, sharp hook. Claws 
generally retractile. Toes, never two behind. Birds usually of 
large size and of powerful frame, embracing the so-called birds 
of prey. 
Order II. Scansores. — Toes in pairs ; two in front and two 
behind: the outer anterior being usually directed backwards ; the 
inner, in Z'rogonide. Tail-feathers eight to twelve. 
Order III. Srrisorrs.— Toes either three anterior and one 
behind (or lateral), or four anterior: the hinder one is, however, 
usually versatile, or capable of direction more or less laterally for- 
ward. Tail-feathers never more than ten. Primaries always ten; 
the first, long. 
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