FAMILIES FALCONID^E AND ACCIPITRIDJE 



can be seen only at some distance, usually 

 flying, and often with the sky for a back- 

 ground, making recognition of the colors diffi- 

 cult. Many of the species are, moreover, 

 quite rare and there will be few opportunities 

 for observing them. Their colors usually 

 vary greatly with age and sometimes also 

 with sex, while some also have color phases 

 independent of those factors. Their size, 

 build, the form and proportions of their 

 wings and tail, and their manner of flight 

 must therefore be depended upon in recog- 

 nizing the species. 



There are several distinct types of hawks, 

 in one or another of which most members of 

 the group can be placed, and it will aid in iden- 

 tifying a species if it can be referred to one of 

 these types. 



The falcons are small to medium sized, with 

 pointed long wings, the courageous members 

 of the group usually capturing their prey, 

 which consists of birds (or in the case of very 

 small species, of large insects), in the open, 

 chasing and catching them by means of their 

 superior speed, strength and endurance and 

 ability to turn and maneuver in the air. 

 They do not usually fly at great heights. 



The Accipiter type comprises birds of 

 rather slender build, but very active and 

 rapacious. They range from small to rather 

 large in size, and have short, more rounded 

 wings and a longer tail than the falcons, giv- 

 ing them great maneuvering power among 

 the branches of trees, and great speed for 

 short distances. They commonly approach 

 their prey rapidly or by stealth and depend 

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