Fig. 79. Haliastur indus. 



Order XI. ACCIPITRES. 



The diurnal Birds of Prey, if only Indian genera are taken into 

 consideration, form a very natural and well-marked group, about 

 which the only doubt that can arise is whether the Osprey is 

 'entitled to higher rank than that of forming a distinct family. 

 The difficult questions as to the relationship of the American 

 Vultures or Condors (Cathartidce) and of the African Secretary 

 Bird (Serpentarius) do not concern us, and the Owls have now by 

 general consent been placed in a distinct order. 



In the Accipitres the bill is strong, the upper mandible con- 

 siderably longer than the lower, with the culmen much curved, so 

 that the end is hooked and the tip perpendicular ; the basal 

 portion is covered with a membrane or cere, in which the nostrils 

 are pierced. The feet are strong and furnished with powerful 

 -claws. A hallux is always present, and there is a tufted oil-gland. 

 The spinal feather-tract is well-defined on the neck. There are 



