On the Groups of the Falconidce. 323 



strong, thick, partly plumed, with scuteilated acrotarsia. The 

 nares are elongated, apparently similunar, and placed transversely 

 on the cere. The upper mandible seems to have a notch some- 

 what analogous to that of the true Falcons. Its type is the F. 

 imperialis * of Dr. Shaw. 



The genus 



MoRPHNUs, Cuv. 



differs from the latter in its more slender, lengthened and scu- 

 teilated tarsi^ and the comparative weakness of its toes. It is 

 separated into two sections as the tarsi are plumed or otherwise : 

 among the former M. Cuvier arranges F. occijntalis, Daud. J''. 

 ornatus, Daud. F. albescens, Daud. F. maculosa^ Vieill. ; among 

 the latter JF". Guianensis. Daud., and F- uribitinga, Linn. M. 

 Vieillot's genus Spizaetus corresponds with this group. 



M. Cuvier has separated another group from the rest of the 

 short zcinged Eagles under the generick name of 



C"?MiNDis, Cuv. 

 which is distinguished by their short, half plumed, and reticu- 

 lated tarsi, and more particularly by their nostrils being nearly 

 closed, and bearing the appearance of a narrow slit, or channel. 

 Its type is the F. Cayennensis^ Gmel. to which M. Temminck 

 has lately added F. hamatus, 111., and F, uncinatus, Temm. 



* Much confusion has arisen as to the synonyms of this bird, and even as to 

 the characters of the genus. M. Cuvier says that the tarsi are reticulated, 

 and M. Vieillot that the wares are round. Neither of these characters agree 

 with those of the " aigle destructeur de Daudin" to which bird both of these 

 gentlemen refer as their type. The short description above is drawn from the 

 figures of J", destructor given by M. Temminck in his " Planches Colorics," 

 [pi. 14.] and by Mr. Swainson in his " Zoology of Mexico." All these diffi- 

 culties however will be shortly cleared away by the description of tlie bird 

 from a living specimen, which has been for some time in fine condition in the 

 gardens of the Horticultural Society. I have been favoured with a sight of 

 this bird by the kindness of my friend Mr. Sabine ; but I am restricted from 

 making any reference to it, that might amend the above imperfect description, 

 in consequence of that gentleman having informed me that he is about, to 

 describe the bird himself. I rejoice that it has got into such good hands, and 

 from the excellent opportunity that occurs of observing its manners and essen- 

 tial characters, I anticipate much interesting and scientifick intelligence on one 

 of the most important points in the economy of the Falconidoe. 



Y 2 



