28 RAPTORES. ASTUR. 



particulars to the genus Jstur, containing the larger Acci- 

 pitrine birds. Buteo horealis of Swainson may be cited as 

 an example of this near relationship. 



Genus ASTUR, Bechst. GOSHAWK. 



GENERIC CHARACTERS. 



Bill short, bending from the base, with the sides rather 

 compressed, and the upper mandible having a lobe or festoon 

 upon its cutting margin. Nostrils oval, opening rather ob- 

 liquely forwards. Wings short, and, when closed, scarcely 

 reaching to one-half the length of the tail. The fourth quill- 

 feather the longest in the wing, and the inner webs of the first 

 five, deeply notched. Legs having the tibiae and tarsi of mean 

 length ; the latter scutellated, or covered in front, Avith large 

 broad scales. Toes of mean length ; the middle toe much 

 longer than the side one, which are nearly equal to each 

 other. Hind toe strong; claws incurved, very strong, and 

 sharp ; those of the hind and inner fore toes much larger 

 than the other two. 



By Bf.chstein, the title of Astur was applied to this 

 whole sub-family, but it has since been confined to the larger 

 species, which have the tarsi shorter in comparison to their 

 size, and the scales that defend them rather differing in form 

 and texture from those of the Sparrow-Hawks (genus Acci- 

 piter), to which, in other respects, both as to habits and form, 

 they are closely allied. The Goshawks, though strong, are 

 neither so compactly nor powerfully built as the true Fal- 

 cons ; and, from the shortness of the wings, their flight, when 

 in active pursuit, is performed by quicker repeated strokes, 

 and nearer to the ground. These birds, however move with 

 singular rapidit}^, and in their evolutions are greatly assisted 

 by the length and expanse of their tail. They feed entirely 

 upon feathered and animal prey, frequently of much size, 

 which they strike when in motion upon wing. Tliey are 



