BIRDS OF OHIO. — INTRODUCTION. 203 



and wants of the animal. A strong, curved and sharp bill, 

 fitted for tearing flesh, being as emblematic of the preda- 

 cious habits of the bird, as are the canine teeth of the tiger ; 

 while a webbed foot, like that of the duck, tells the ele- 

 ment in which it principally dwells, as distinctly as does 

 the j)addle of the whale or the fin-like extremities of the 

 seal. 



The Rapaoes or Aceipitres, the truly predacious order, 

 being terrestrial in their habits, having very strong talons, 

 armed with sharp pointed claws ; beak hooked and sharp. 

 The Eagle and Owl are examples of this order. 



Passerines^ having four toes, three before and one 

 behind, weak and feeble, and not armed with strong claws; 

 tarsi short, compared with that of the waders; beak gener- 

 ally pointed. Examples — Thrush, Swallow, Sparrow, Crow 

 and Humming-bird. 



Scansores, or Climbers. Characters as in the laet, with 

 the diff'erence of two of the toes being placed behind and 

 two before, thus adapting the foot for grasping and climb- 

 ing. Examples — Woodpecker and Parrot. 



Gallinacm. The ui3per mandible of the bill is in this 

 order arched; nostrils placed in a membranous space at the 

 base of the beak, and partly covered by a soft scale. Ex- 

 amples — Turkey, Common Fowl, Partridge and Pigeon; the 

 latter has been, however, considered by some authors as 

 worthy of being placed in an order by itself. 



Gralliatores — Waders generally. Aquatic; tarsus very 

 long, and lower part of the leg naked. In some species 

 the fourth toe, or thumb, is wanting. The Plover, Crane, 

 Snipe and Rail are examples. 



Palmipedes. Feet formed for swimming; webbed ; the 

 legs placed far back on the body. Examples — Duck, Goose, 

 Gull and Loon. 



