Vlll. SOUTH AFKICAN BIRD-LIFE 



economic value, which is only now meeting with anything 

 like the recognition it deserves, have all tended to bring 

 this about. 



Birds form the great division or " class " of animals 

 termed " Aves," which class is divided into "families," 

 these .again into " genera," and the last into " species." 

 They are divided by Dr. P. L. Sclater, F.E.S., &c., in 

 a paper in the "Ibis" for 1880, "On the present state 

 of the Systema Avium," into the following groups or 

 orders : 



CLASS AVES. 

 Sub-class Carinatce (with a keeled sternum). 



Order 1. PASSEBES (Crows, Starlings, Weaverbirds, 

 Finches, Larks, Sunbirds, Shrikes, Warblers, 

 Thrushes, Fly-catchers, Cuckoo-Shrikes, 

 Drongos and Swallows. 



,, 2. PICARI^ (Woodpeckers, Barbets, Honey- 

 guides, Trogons, Colies, Kingfishers, Bee- 

 eaters, Eollers, Hornbills, Hoopoes, Swifts, 

 Nightjars, Cuckoos and Plantain-eaters). 



,, 3. PSITTACI (Parrots). 



,, 4. STRIGES (Owls). 



,, 5. ACCIPITRES (Falcons, Kites, Buzzards, Eagles, 

 Hawks, Vultures and Secretary Bird). 



6. STEG-ANOPODES (Frigate Birds, Pelicans, Cor- 

 morants, Darters, Gannets and Tropic 

 Birds). 



,, 7. HERODIONES (Herons, Storks and Ibises). 



8. ODONTOGLOSS.E (Flamingoes). 



9. ANSERES (Geese and Ducks). 



,, 10. COLUMBUS (Pigeons and Doves). 

 11. PTEROCLETES (Sand Grouse). 



