SYNOPSIS 



OF THE 



CHARACTERISTICS OF NORTH-AMERICAN BIRDS. 



THE following synopsis of the orders of birds, taken 

 partly from Keyserling and Blasius, will serve to illus- 

 trate the characteristics of the higher groups in American 

 Ornithology : 



A. HIND TOE ON THE SAME LEVEL WITH THE ANTERIOR 



ONES. 



a. Posterior face or the sides of the tarsus more or less reticu- 

 lated, granulated, or with scales more numerous or smaller than 

 in front ; sometimes naked. Anterior face of the tarsus never in 

 one unbroken plate. Larynx without complex vocal muscles. 



Order I. RAPTORES. Base of the upper mandible with a 

 soft skin or cere. Upper mandible compressed ; its point curving 

 down over that of the lower, forming a strong, sharp hook. Claws 

 generally retractile. Toes, never two behind. Birds usually of 

 large size and of powerful frame, embracing the so-called birds 

 of prey. 



Order II. SCANSORES. Toes in pairs ; two in front and two 

 behind : the outer anterior being usually directed backwards ; the 

 inner, in Trogonida. Tail-feathers eight to twelve. 



Order III. STRISORES. Toes either three anterior and one 

 behind (or lateral), or four anterior : the hinder one is, however, 

 usually versatile, or capable of direction more or less laterally for- 

 ward. Tail-feathers never more than ten. Primaries always ten ; 

 the first, long. 



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