BRANCH CHORD AT A; CLASS AYES: THE BIRDS 35 l 



long plume-feathers, the body-plumage being also un- 

 usually beautiful. The eggs of all the Gallinae are numer- 

 ous and are laid in a rude nest or simply in a depression 

 on the ground. In many of the species polygamy is the 

 rule. The young are precocial. 



The doves and pigeons (Columbae). The doves and 

 pigeons constitute a small order, the Columbae, closely 

 related to the Gallinae. A distinguishing characteristic 

 of the Columbae lies in the bill, which is covered at the 

 base with a soft swollen membrane or cere in which the 

 nostrils open. The members of this order feed on fruits, 

 seeds, and grains. Our most familiar wild species is the 

 mourning-dove or turtle-dove (Zenaidura macroura) found 

 abundantly all over the country. It lays two eggs in a 

 loose slight nest in a low tree or on the ground. The 

 beautiful wild or passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) 

 was once extremely abundant in this country, moving 

 about in tremendous flocks in the Eastern and Central 

 States. But it has been so relentlessly hunted that the 

 species is apparently becoming extinct. In the Rocky 

 and Sierra Nevada mountains is a rather large dove, the 

 band-tailed pigeon (Columba fasciatd], which subsists 

 chiefly on acorns. The domestic pigeon represented by 

 numerous varieties, pouters, carriers, ruff-necks, fan-tails, 

 etc., is the artificially selected descendant of the rock-dove 

 (Columba livid). The young of all pigeons are altricial. 



The eagles, owls, and vultures (Raptores). The 

 "birds of prey " compose one of the larger orders, the 

 members of which are readily recognizable. In all the 

 bill is heavy, powerful, and strongly hooked at the tip. 

 The feet are strong, with long, curved claws (small in the 

 vultures) and are fitted for seizing and holding living 

 prey, such as smaller birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals 

 which constitute the principal food of the true raptorial 

 species. The vultures feed on carn'on. The turkey 



