1902.] 



OSTEOLOGY OF THE FALCONIFORMES. 



299 



through the coracoid proper, for the passage of this nerve, is a 

 point which can only be determined by an appeal to embryo and 

 nestling specimens. Possibly it will be found that the foramen, 

 in the Polybori is also a coracoid foramen. 



The coracoid is relatively of medium length in the Falconidpe, 

 but proportionately longer in the little Microhierax. 



In the Buteonidse it is relatively short and stout, and very 

 broad at the base, the distance across the latter legion, at its 

 widest part, being equal to the length of the shaft fiom the base 

 to the articulation with the scapula. 



In Elanoides the pr^ocessios lateralis basalts is very conspicuous, 

 more so than in any other member of the Older. 



Text-fig. 34. 



Left lateral aspect of the Sternum and Shoulder-gii-dle of Aqtiila rapax. Tlie f urcula 

 does not articulate with the carina; and the latter terminates before reaching 

 the end of the sternal plate. 



Letters as in text-fo. 33. 



The acrocoiucoid process is large in both sections of the Oi'der, 

 and bears a facet for the articulation of the furcula — except only 

 in Serpentarius^ wherein this facet is wanting. The absence of 

 a procoracoid process is sufticient to distinguish the coracoid of 

 Serpentari'us from that of the Storks. 



The coi'acoid of the Cathartse, like that of the Falcons, is 

 relatively long. 



The coracoid of the Accipitres closely resembles that of the 

 Striges. In the latter group, however, the procoracoid process is 

 always present; on this account, therefore, the coracoid of the 

 Buteonine section of the Accipitres is always distinguishable. 

 For the same leason — the lack of the procoracoid process — -the 

 coracoids of the Serjientarii and Cathartss are also easily dis- 



20* 



