BIRDS ORGANIZATION DIAGRAM 4 63 



and rest there for some time before resuming their long journey, 

 on which many doubtless perish. 



OR.DEES OF BIKDS. 



Birds, like mammals, have been divided into a number of 

 families, in which those most alike are placed together. The 

 following are the principal orders : 



1st. The Birds of Prey, or Raptores. It includes birds which 

 are all carnivorous. They are known by their beak, which is 

 always very strong, short, and hooked, for tearing flesh. They 



generally fly 

 very well. 



Lastly, their 

 toes are free in 

 their move- 

 ments, and 

 armed with 

 Foot of Eagle. powerful claws 



called talons. The order of the birds of prey includes the 

 families of the falcons, vultures, and owls. 



2nd. The order of Perching Birds includes birds generally of 

 small size. But they may best be known by always having 

 very strong legs fitted for grasping the 

 branches of trees, with two or three 

 toes directed forwards, close together, 

 and almost united, while the other 

 toe or toes are directed backwards, 

 opposite to the former. Among the 

 Perching Birds we shall mention the 

 families of the parrots, the cuckoo, 

 Foot of Parroquet. and the woodpeckers. 



