BIRDS OF PREY. 31 



5. Like the Passei inae and Scansoriae, birds of prey are bo'n 

 generally naked, with the eyes closed, and cannot live without 

 the assistance of their parents, who, during their tendei age, 

 supply all their wants. 



6. These birds form two families : the Diurnce, and the 

 Nocturnce. which may be distinguished by means of the follow- 

 ing characters : 



r Eyes directed from the side; the head and neck 

 C Diurnai. J well proportioned ; the external toe directed for- 

 j ward, and almost always united to the middle toe 

 [by a small membrane. 

 RAPACES. j 



f Eyes directed forward ; head very large and 

 [_ av,v*.. na.\ ntck very short; external toe may be directed 

 either forwards or backwards. 



FAMILY OF DAY BIRDS OF PREY, OR 



7. The Diurnae have their eyes directed sidewise ; the head 

 and neck are well proportioned; (Plate 3, fiy. 1. fyc.) the nares 

 are pierced through a naked membrane, called cera, which covers 

 the base of the beak; they have three toes in front and one be- 

 hind without feathers, and the two external ones are almost 

 always united at their base by a short membrane; flight power- 

 ful ; the quills strong; the plumage close; the sternum large and 

 completely ossified, and the fourchette semi-circular, and widely 

 separated ; finally, the stomach is almost entirely membranous, 

 and the intestines of small extent. 



8. The family of Diurnae is divided into three principal tribes, 

 easily recognised by the following characters: 



(Tribes.) 

 A more or less consider. 



DlURNAL 



RAPACES, 

 having 



able part of the head and > VULTURES. 

 neck destitute of feathers. 



.,^~>., ..- ..... ~ p. 



Head covered W ilhfe..> GRIFrma . 

 t thers. \ 



Eyes surmounted by a projecting eyebrow which ) 

 makes them appear sunk in the head ; talons very > FALCONS. 

 strong. \ 



_ strong, 



5. What is the condition of birds of prey at the time of birth ? 



6. Into what familit s is the order of Rapaces divided ? How are the 

 Diurnae characterised ? In what respects do the Nocturnae differ from the 

 Diurn?E? 



7. How are the DiurnaB distinguished ? On finding p, membranous 

 Btornnch and intestines of small extent in a bird, upon what would you infer 

 that it habitually fed ? 



8. Into what tribes is the fami ! y of Dinrnae divided? What are the 

 characters of Vultures? How do Griffins differ from Vultures ? What are 

 the characters of Falcons? 



3* 



