28 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



to black ; the feathers on the back are variegated 

 by a lighter brown, with dark edges ; scapulars 

 pale brown, the edges nearly white ; breast and 

 belly whitish, with irregular spots of brown ; tail 

 feathers dark brown, the outer edges of the exterior 

 feathers \vhitish ; quill feathers and thighs dusky ; 

 legs and feet yellow ; the claws, which are large, 

 and form a complete semicircle, are of a shining 

 black. 



