BIRDS ORGANIZATION DIAGRAM 4 65 



the pelicans, the ducks, the swans, the geese, the penguins, and 

 the auks. 



OEDEK OF BIRDS OF PEEY, OR EAPTOKES. 



FALCONS. The family of Falcons also includes the eagles, the 

 hawks, the sparrow-hawks, the kites, and the buzzards. All are 

 formidable animals to rabbits, partridges, larks, and the various 



small birds which eat insects ; and 

 they are therefore enemies which 

 always ought to be destroyed. 

 They are called Mr da of prey in the 

 strict sense ; they have a hooked 

 beak, and very strong and pointed 

 claws, called talons, with which 

 they seize their prey ; and they kill 

 them, and tear . them to pieces 

 with their beak. In some countries 

 falcons are still used for the chase ; 

 and falconry used formerly to be 

 a very favourite amusement in 

 England. The falcons are trained 

 without too much difficulty, and 

 then carried to the chase on the 

 wrist. Their head is covered with 

 a hood which prevents their seeing : 

 and when the game is in sight, the 

 falconer takes off the falcon's hood, 



and shows him the prey. Other 

 Falconhooded. . can be 



chased by the falcon ; or hares, and even larger animals ; the 



