x Introduction. 



FAMILY FALCONID^E. The Falcons. The 

 birds of this Family are characterized by a robust 

 and strong form ; short bill, curved downward ; 

 round nostrils ; wings long, pointed, adapted for 

 rapid flight. The claws are strong, large, and 

 very sharp. Plumage, generally mottled-grey, 

 black, brown, and white. 



FAMILY STRIGID^E. T/te Owls. The Owls 

 have a large head, short and heavy form, and 

 some have tufts of feathers that somewhat resem- 

 bles the ears of quadrupeds. Their flight is slow, 

 but strong, and without noise ; their eyes very 

 large ; bill, powerful and curved ; legs, feathered 

 to the toes. Plumage, soft and mottled. 



ORDER II. SCANSORES or CLIMBERS. 



Birds of this Order have their toes in pairs 

 two in front and two behind which especially 

 facilitate climbing. The Citculid& } or Cuckoo 

 Family, and the Picidcz, or Woodpecker Family, 

 belong to this Order. 



FAMILY CUCULID^E. The Cuckoos. The 

 Cuckoos are characterized by a long clinical and 

 slender bill ; tail, has ten feathers of graduated 



