BIRDS. 311 



We can notice only the leading groups, and even these with 

 great brevity. This must be apparent, when it is recollected 

 that the number of species at present known is perhaps 

 between five and six thousand (p. 308) ; and that those oc- 

 curring even in the British Isles amount to between three 

 and four hundred.* We shall therefore only attempt to state 

 what are the points of structure by which the principal 

 divisions are characterized, and bring forward a few of the 

 individuals belonging to each, as exemplifying the habits or 

 economy of their respective families. 



Ordee I.— EAPTORES.— birds OF PREY. 



The Raptorial Birds are distinguished by a strong hooked 

 bill and stout muscular legs. Three of the toes are directed 

 forward, and one backward ; they are rough below, and 

 armed w^ith powerful, sharp, curved, retractile talons. They 

 are arranged in three families — the Vultures, the Falcons, and 

 the Owls. 



I.— VULTURIDiE.— VULTURES. 



*' Above, the mountain rears a peak 

 Where Vultures whet the thirsty beak; 

 And theirs may be a feast to-night 

 Shall tempt them down ere mt)rrow's light."t 



Byron. 



The Vultures have the claws, in general, less curved than 

 either the Falcons or Owls, the feet generally naked, and the 

 head in a greater or less degree divested of feathers. None 

 of them are indigenous in these countries ; yet as two have 

 been taken here, they are of course included in our Fauna. 



* The Irish species, according to Mr. W. Thompson's Report, published 

 in 1840, were then about 230 ; and fourteen or fifteen have since been 

 added. 



t " Whet the thirsty beak." The idea of whetting the beak, though 

 current, is erroneous. 



