BIRDS. 313 



for ducks, twenty-one days for hens, from twelve to fifteen days for 

 domesticated canaries, and only twelve days for the humming bird. 



Almost all birds construct a nest, to receive their eggs and serve 

 as a dwelling for their progeny, which, during the early period of 

 life, are unprovided with feathers, extremely delicate, and incap- 

 able of feeding themselves. Generally, there is displayed in these 

 structures' an art, an ingenuity, and an elegance well calculated to 

 excite our admiration. All the successive generations build nests 

 exactly alike, even under circumstances precluding the possibility 

 of their receiving instruction from their parents. A wonderful in- 

 ,stinct guides them, and induces them to take many precautions, 

 the utility of which they cannot be supposed to anticipate or 

 appreciate beforehand. 



The classification of the feathered tribes is founded chiefly upon 

 the modifications that occur in their beak and feet, the instruments 

 whereby they obtain their food. According to the characters thus 

 afforded, they are divided into seven Orders, as in the table on 

 page 314. 



ORDER RAPTORES * OR AcciPiTRES.f 



The Raptorial Birds, or Birds of Prey, are at once recognized 

 by their beak, which is hooked and terminated by a sharp point 

 bent downwards, and by their feet being very strong and armed 

 with formidable talons. 



They are divided into the Diurnal, or those that fly by day, 

 and the Nocturnal, or those that fly only by night. 



DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY. 



At the head of this rapacious tribe may be placed 



The Eagles (Aquila), distinguished by having their legs feathered to the 

 roots of their toes, and their wings reaching to the extremity of their tail. 

 Their vision is wonderfully extensive, and they are said to be able to look at 

 the unclouded sun. These birds are remarkable for the nobleness of their bear- 

 ing and for their daring courage. They are endowed with powerful limbs, are 

 fond of carnage, and in general prefer attacking animals of considerable size. 

 It is only when pressed by hunger that they assail small birds, and will not 

 eat carrion even when in a state of absolute want. Eagles build their nest 

 upon the flat surface afforded by some projecting rock or on a platform of 

 some lofty mountain. Its dimensions are very considerable, and every year 

 contributes to its increase, for it is rare for these birds to abandon their first 

 monument of parental tenderness. Those that leave it return periodically to 



* Reptor, a $eizer or snatcher. \ Accipiter, a liaii'k : from Accipio, to take by force. 



