RAPTORES. FALCO. 35 



lateral, circular, and open, with a small, round, central co- 

 lumn. Wings long, acuminate ; the second feather gene- 

 rally the longest ; and jone or more of the first quills with 

 the inner web strongly notched near the top. Legs having 

 the tarsi rather short, strong, and reticulated. Feet with the 

 middle toe united to the outer one at their base by a mem- 

 brane, and exceeding it in length by a joint ; the inner 

 shorter than the outer toe. Hind toe short, armed, as well 

 as the inner toe, with a strong, hooked, and very sharp talon, 

 exceeding the others in length. 



The birds of this genus, justly considered the typical 

 form of the Falconidae, as possessing the raptorial powers 

 in the highest perfection, are distinguished from the other 

 groups by their stronger bill, furnished with an acute tooth ; 

 their long and acuminate 'wings, vigorous power of flight, 

 and peculiar mode of capturing their prey. From their do- 

 cility, and susceptibility of being reclaimed (that is, trained 

 to the purposes of falconry), they have been usually termed 

 " the Noble Birds of prey," all the others coming under the 

 designation of " Ignoble." The more powerful species prey 

 upon the larger birds and animals ; the former of which they 

 capture upon wing, by outsoaring, and then darting down 

 upon them with astonishing force and rapidity, the death- 

 stroke being inflicted by their talons. Many of the smaller 

 kinds, Jin addition to birds and thelesser animals, feed also upon 

 insects, particularly those of the Coleopterous order. Their 

 general form is robust yet compact, and their power of flight, 

 from the full development of the wings, perhaps unequalled 

 for swiftness and durability. It has, however, been remarked, 

 that, from their shape, they experience a difficulty in rising 

 vertically, and in calm weather they are compelled to make 

 their ascent in an oblique direction. This genus contains a 

 great number of species, spread throughout every part of the 

 globe, and in all parts equally distinguished for their courage 

 and predatory habits. Though at present the various species 



