266 



VERTEBRATE ANIMALS. 



VII. Haptores or Birds of Prey^ characterized by having 

 a strong, sharp-edged, and sharp-pointed beak, adapted for 

 tearing animal food, and by their robust legs, armed with four 

 toes, three in front and one behind, all of which are furnished 

 with long, strong, crooked claws or talons. (Ex. Eagles, 

 Hawks, Owls.) 



VIII. Saururce or Lizard-tailed Birds, characterized by 

 having a tail longer than the body, composed of numerous 

 distinct and movable vertebrae, each of which carries a single 

 pair of quill-feathers. (This order includes only the remark- 

 able fossil bird, the Archceopteryx.) 



OEDEE I. NATATOEES (Lat. natator, a swimmer). The 

 order of the Swimming Birds comprises birds which are as 

 much at home in the water as upon land, or even more so. In 

 accordance with their aquatic mode of life, the JVatatores have 

 a boat-shaped body, generally elongated, and usually having a 

 long neck. The legs are short, and are placed behind the cen- 



FIG. 131. Natatores. Penguin (SpJiemiscw demersm\ 



