126 



NATURAL HISTORY. 



215. The Rapt ores always live in pairs, and they 

 choose their mates for life. It is remarkable, also, that 

 in a large proportion of this order the females are larger 

 than the males, probably because they have the care of 

 the young birds, which are at first weak and blind, like 

 the young of beasts of prey among Mammals. The col- 

 ors of the plumage of this order are generally dull, brown- 

 ish varied with white. They have no song, and utter 

 only hoarse sounds. They construct their nests in a rude 

 way in high situations, on the ledges of rocks, the tops of 

 lofty trees, etc. 



216. There are three families in this "order : 1. The Fal- 

 con family, including the Falcons, Eagles, and Hawks. 

 2. The Vultures. 3. The Owls, which are nocturnal birds 

 of prey (nox, night)', the two first families being diurnal 

 (dies, day). 



217. The true Falcons are the most daring of all birds 

 of prey. They are very symmetrical in form and grace- 

 ful in flight. The Gyrfalcon, Fig. 105, is the most beau- 

 tiful of the tribe, and 

 the largest, it being 

 nearly two feet long. 

 It is found on the rocky 

 coasts of Norway and 

 Iceland. These birds 

 are very courageous in 

 defending their young. 

 A pair of them attack- 

 ed Dr. Richardson, 

 while climbing near 

 their nest, flying in cir- 

 cles around him, and 

 now and then dashing 

 at his face with loud 

 screams. The Falcons 

 were used in the once 



Fig. 105. Gyrfalcon. favorite sport of En- 



