BRITISH BIRDS. 



ft)c ^falcon. 



THE numerous species of which this kind is com- 

 posed, are found in almost every part of the world, 

 from the frigid to the torrid zone : they are divided 

 into various families, consisting of Falcons, Eagles, 

 Hawks, Kites, Buzzards, and Harriers, and are 

 readily known by the following characteristics : 



The bill is strong, sharp, and much hooked, and 

 is furnished with a naked skin or cere situated at 

 the base, in which are placed the nostrils ; the head 

 and neck are well clothed with feathers, which 

 sufficiently distinguish this genus from the Vulture 

 kind ; the legs and feet are scaly, having three toes 

 before and one behind ; the claws are large and 

 strong, much hooked, and very sharp. The larger 

 species feed on quadrupeds and birds, some on fish, 

 others on reptiles ; many of the inferior kinds on 

 insects. The plumage differs greatly according to 

 sex and age, the young of some not acquiring the 

 adult livery in less than three, four, and even six 

 years. The latter are moreover distinguished gen- 

 erally, by more numerous and varied spots and 

 lines, longitudinally disposed, Avhile the colours of 

 some of the mature birds appear in large masses 

 or bands, running transversely. They moult only 

 once a year. Birds of this genus are also dis- 

 tinguished by their undaunted courage, and great 

 activity. Buffon, speaking of the Eagle, compares 

 it with the Lion, and ascribes to it the magnan- 

 imity, the strength and the forbearance of that 

 noble quadruped. The Eagle despises small ani- 

 mals, and disregards their insults ; he seldom 

 devours the whole of his prey, but like the Lion, 



