38 CHECK LIST OF THE 



The great majority of these birds are migrants, arriving here in 

 April and leaving in October, but during the last few years small flocks 

 have been seen in several localities, all through the winter. 



Order RAPTORES. (The Birds of Prey.) 



Carnivorous birds, often of large size and great strength. Bill 

 strong, cered at base, hooked at the end. Claws very strong, except in 

 the Vultures. Tibia, and often the tarsus, feathered. Hind toe devel- 

 oped, elevated or not. 



Some of them feed upon carrion, others upon reptiles or fishes, but 

 the most of them upon small mammals, birds and insects. 



This order includes a large number of very useful birds, while a 

 few of them may be considered injurious by reason of their raids upon 

 domestic fowls. 



FAMILY CATHARTID^. (AMERICAN VULTURES.) 



Head and part of neck bare Eyes lateral ; ears small. Bill length- 

 ened, comparatively weak and but little hooked ; nostrils perforate. 

 Wings^ very long and strong, giving a strength and grace of flight 

 which is not excelled by any other birds. Hind toe short and elevated ; 

 front toes long, somewhat weDDe3, with rather weak and straightish 

 claws. Large, slovenly looking birds, without the strength and spirit 

 of the Hawks and Owls. They are voracious consumers of carrion and 

 animal refuse of all kinds, and hence are valued as scavengers in the 

 warm countries where they most abound. 



GENUS CATHARTES. 



(*) (3 2 5) Turkey Vulture. 



(Cathartes aura.) 



A great wanderer, which is of occasional occurrence in Ontario, 

 specimens having been taken at various places from the eastern bound- 

 ary to the west, where it was formerly not uncommon. 



FAMILY FALCONID./E. (FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC.) 



Head fully feathered ; no ear tufts. Eyes lateral ; eyelids provided 

 with lashes ; usually a projecting bony eyebrow ; no complete facial disk. 

 Toes always naked ; tarsus naked also except in Aquila and Archibuteo. 

 Hind toe not elevated. Bill stout, strongly hooked, its base not hidden 

 by feathers. Claws very strong and sharp, the hind claw not shorter 

 than the others. 



