CHAPTER X. 

 Order RaptorGS. />//-<& of Prev. 



In these birds, the bill is epignathous and cered ; feet not 

 yygodactyle. There are several other osteological and other 

 anatomical peculiarities which they present: vix, two 

 carotids,- syrinx with but a single pair of internal muscles 

 when developed. The alimentary canal varies in the differ- 

 ent families, and in being adapted to animal food ; it differs 

 most strikingly from that of birds of vegetarian habits. In 

 the most highly specialized types, the entire structure is built 

 for strength, activity, ferocity, and carnivorous propensities. 

 The weaker species subsist upon insects, but more especially 

 upon reptiles and fish ; some, upon carrion ; but the major 

 part, upon other birds and small mammals. 



These birds are found in nearly every quarter of the 

 globe. They are comprehended in four families, one of 

 which, the Gypogeranidce, contains the remarkable serpent- 

 eater of Africa, which exhibits a marked and curious gralla- 

 torial analogy in the possession of long crane-like legs, and 

 in other structural peculiarities. The remaining three 

 families have representatives in this country. 



Family, StrigidSB. Owh. 



The head of these birds is large, rather broad in a lateral 

 direction, but shortened longitudinally. The face possesses 

 a circle of radiating feathers on each side, which are of 

 rather peculiar texture. External ears quite large, and 

 furnished with a movable flap. Eyes very large, directed 

 forward, encircled by radiating bristly feathers, and over- 

 arched by a superciliary ridge. Bill of the ordinary rapa- 



