AVES 



419 



protectively colored, and take promptly to cover. For these 

 reasons they are "game" birds, sought by hunters. 



Raptores (robbers) are preying birds with hooked beak and 

 claws, sharp vision, powerful wings, and instincts to match. 



FIG. 219. 



PIG. 219. Skulls of gallinaceous Birds, as Partridge, Grouse, etc. Photographed from the speci- 

 mens by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. Adult. J natural size. 



Questions on the figures. Compare these skulls and note the points of simil- 

 arity and dissimilarity. Find the position of eye, ear, and nares. What are the 

 chief points of contrast between these skulls and that of the owl (Fig. 222), and of 

 the flamingo (Fig. 215)? 



Eagles, hawks, kites, falcons, owls, and vultures may be classed 

 here. They are widely distributed, and have a great range of 

 size and adaptations. The vultures, including the buzzards 



