VERTEBRATA. 265 



Honey- eaters, constitute the Tennirostres, (Slender- 

 beaks,) in which group the beak is elongated into a 

 slender forceps for extracting honey or insects from the 

 deep parts of flowers. The plumage is often of a gor- 

 geous metallic luster. 



The Swallows, (Fig. 160,) Martins, Goatsuckers, King- 

 fishers, and Swifts, make up the Fissirostrcs, (Cleft-beaks,) 



FIG. 1 60. Swallow, (Hirundo.} 



with a wide but short beak. During flight the mouth is 

 kept wide open, and any insects it encounters are re- 

 tained by a viscid secretion. A young Swallow will in 

 this way consume over a thousand flies and gnats in a 

 day. 



Order 8. Raptores, or Raveners. These are readily 

 recognized by their beak, which is a formidable weapon 

 with sharp edges and an acute hooked tip. The upper 

 bill overlaps the lower. The toes are three in front 



and one behind, all terminated by sharp hooked talons. 

 23 



