IN THE NORWICH MUSEUM. 7 
gene (of the genus Polpboroides), which is very remark- 
able as being the only bird known in which the upper 
tarsal joint (that is, the joint in the middle of the leg,) 
can to a certain extent be bent forwards as well as 
backwards—a power of which this bird avails itself 
when in searching for the frogs on which it frequently 
feeds, it inserts its foot into the fissures in the ground 
which are caused by the heat of an African sun, and 
in which the frogs of South Africa usually take refuge 
when the smaller pools of water are dried up. 
Our next group is an American one, consisting of 
the birds called Caracaras, or Carrion-eating Hawks, 
and comprising the genera Polyborus, Senex, Phalco- 
benus, Milvago, and Lbycter. 
The birds of the three first of these genera feed 
partly on carrion, and partly on insects, and small 
reptiles; but those of the genus /dycter appear to 
subsist upon insects almost exclusively. Perhaps the 
most remarkable bird of this group is the species called 
Senex australis, which inhabits the Falkland Islands, 
and is noted for its singular propensity for carrying 
off any small object which may excite its curiosity. 
One of these birds was seen to purloin a pocket 
mariner’s compass, and another actually pounced upon 
and carried off a sailor’s glazed hat, which had been 
- accidentally left on the ground at a spot frequented by 
these birds. 
Between the Caracaras and the true Vultures is 
introduced the genus Gy/ofierax, consisting of a 
tr 
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