44 



THE RED-THROATED FALCON. 



considerably larger than the males. As we have seen, it has been determined by observation 

 that the Bald Eagle does not attain the white of the head and tail until it has reached the 

 age of ten years. Before this fact was clearly comprehended, much confusion was the result 

 of any attempt to distinguish species. 



FALCONS AND HAWKS. 



THE RED-THROATED FALCON, which affords a good example of the genus Ibycter, is a 

 native of South America. 



The birds comprising this genus are remarkable for the convexity of the upper mandible, 

 and the semi-blunt, notched lower mandible. The claws are sharp, and the cheeks, the throat, 



r ^- ! 



. a ]':,. .?.Y 



EED-THROATED FALCON. Itn/cter americanux. 



and part of the crop are naked. This species is a very handsome one, the general tint of the 

 plumage being a very deep blue on the back and the upper surface, and reddish-white below. 

 The neck has a purplish-red hue, from which the bird derives its popular name ; the claws are 

 black, the feet and cere yellow, and the beak a deep blue. This bird has been known under a 

 variety of names, such as the Little American Eagle, the Bare-necked Falcon, the White-billed 

 Ibycter, the Bare-necked Polyborus, together with many similar appellations. The habits of 

 the bird are not known. 



