AVES 



249 



FIG. 284. Ruby-throated humming bird on its nest. 

 Photographed in the Academy of Natural Sciences, 

 Philadelphia. Half life size. 



strongly hooked bill 



and curved claws, 



called talons, adapted 



for seizing and tear- 

 ing flesh. Some of 



them are of large 



size, such as the 



condor of South 



America and the 



California vulture, 



which are the largest 



birds of flight in the 



world. 



Hawks and Eagles 



(Falconidae) . 



Twenty years ago 



the hawks were thought to be man's enemies, and bounties 



were offered in some states for their scalps, resulting in 



the paying out of 

 many thousands 

 of dollars for the 

 killing of birds 

 protecting the 

 agricultural inter- 

 ests, upon which 

 the success of the 

 nation depends. 

 They feed largely 

 on rats, mice, and 

 other destructive 

 creatures. Owing 



FIG. 285. Chimney swift photographed from life. 

 One third natural size. 



