CLASS II. AVES: ORDER 1. RAPTORES. 



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THE GOLDEN EAGLE. 



ORDER 1. RAPTORES. 



The word Raptores, from the Latin, signifying robbers, but partially characterizes this order, 

 for many of the species are not only robbers, but assassins and butchers. Among the birds of 

 smaller size and gentler aspect, which we call Passeres, we shall find instances of species which 

 are exceedingly predaceous in their disposition, devouring not only insects and worms, which in 

 fact constitute a considerable portion of the food of most of them, but also tyrannizing over the 

 smaller birds and other vertebrated animals, in a style which would justify us in applying to them 

 the denomination of birds of prey. It is, however, in the present order that we find the powers 

 of destruction developed to the fullest extent ; indeed, the whole structure of the Raptorial birds is 

 evidently adapted to the incessant warfare which they wage upon their neighbors. Nevertheless, 

 some of these birds are of a more peaceful nature, and feed exclusively upon the bodies of animals 

 which they find already dead, although in all their characteristics they are unmistakable members 

 of this order, r 



