BIRDS OF PREY. 31 



5. Like the Passerinae and Scansoriae, birds of prey are born 

 generally naked, with the eyes closed, and cannot live without 

 the assistance of their parents, who, during their tender age, 

 supply all their wants. 



6. These birds form two families: the Diurtioe, and the 

 Nocturnes, which may be distinguished by means of the follow- 

 ing characters-: 



{Eyes directed from the side ; the head and neck 

 well proportioned ; the external toe directed for- 

 ward, and almost always united to the middle toe 

 by a small membrane. 

 RAPACES. * 



C Eyes directed forward ; head very large and 

 .,.,*.. ne. 1 neck very short; external toe may be directed 

 ^either forwards or backwards. 



FAMILY OF DAY BIRDS OF PREY, OR DIURN^E. 



7. The Diurnae have their eyes directed sidewise ; the head 

 and neck are well proportioned ; (Plate 3, %. 1. #c.) the nares 

 are pierced through a naked membrane, called cera, which covers 

 the base of the beak; they have three toes in front and one be- 

 hind without feathers, and the two external ones are almost 

 always united at their base by a short membrane ; flight power- 

 ful ; the quills strong ; the plumage close ; the sternum large and 

 completely ossified, and the fourchette semi-circular, and widely 

 separated ; finally, the stomach is almost entirely membranous, 

 and the intestines of small extent. 



8. The family of Diurnae is divided into three principal tribes, 

 easily recognised by the following characters : 



(Tribes.) 



!A more or less consider- ) 

 able part of" the head and > VULTURES. 

 nec/destUute ofea,he,4 

 Head covered with fe 

 ......_ thera - 



having Eyes surmounted by a projecting eyebrow which ) 



makes them appear sunk in the head ; talons very > FALCONS. 

 strong. \ 



5. What is the condition of birds of prey at the time of birth ? 



6. Into what families is the order of Rapaces divided ? How are the 

 Diurnae characterised ? In what respects do the Nocturnse differ from the 

 Diurnae? 



7. How are the Diurnos distinguished ? On finding a membranous 

 stomach and intestines of small extent in a bird, upon what would you infer 

 that it habitually fed ? 



8. Into what tribes is the family of Diurnee divided ? What are the 

 characters of Vultures ? How do Griffins differ from Vultures ? What are 

 the characters of Falcons? 



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