24 Synopsis of the Birds 



FAMILY II. RAPACES. 



Nocturni, Accipitrini, 111. Accipiires diiimi, Accipiires noc- 

 turni, Cuv. Vulturini, Accipitrini, (Egolii, Gypa'eti, Vieill. 

 Rapaces diurni, Rapaces nocturni, Ranz. 

 Vulturini, Accipitrini, (Egolii, Latr. 



Head thickly covered with feathers. Tarsus longer than 

 the middle toe ; nails strong, sharp, much incurved, very re- 

 tractile. Tail of twelve feathers. 



Solitary, or in pairs during the breeding season only. Feed 

 on living animals, unless compelled by hunger ; seize their 

 prey and carry it in their talons. Lay the food before their 

 young. Expel them from the nest when full-fledged. 



2. FALCO. 



Falco, L. Gm. Lath. III. Cuv. Temm. Ranz. 

 Aquila, Accipiter, Briss. Aquila, Falco, Brehm. Daptrius, 

 Ibycter, Polyborus, Aquila, Haliai : tos, Pandion, Circaiitos, 

 Circus, Buteo, Milvus, Elanus (since Elandides), lctinia, Falcon 

 Tinnunculus (since united to Falco), Physeta (since Herpe- 

 iotheres,) Harpyia, Spizaiitos, Asturina, Sparvius, Vieill. 



Bill, robust ; cere short, coloured, obvious ; lower mandi- 

 ble obliquely rounded at tip : nostrils situated at the edge of 

 the cere. Eyes lateral, sunk deep in the head. Feet strong ; 

 tarsus of middling length. 



Female differing often in colour, and much larger than 

 the male. Young more variegated by spots and lines thau 

 the adults : vary greatly from age, and do not receive then- 

 perfect plumage until the third or fourth year. 



Diurnal. Fly high and soar beyond the reach of vision. 

 Obtain their prey by violence, pouncing upon it sometimes 

 from a great height. 



<§ 1. Bill elongated, straight at base. 



Aquila, Briss. Brehm. Aiglcs proprement dits, Temm. 



Bill with an obtuse lobe each side : head feathers long. 



