51 



FALCO. FALCON. 



Generic Character* 



JRostrum aduncum, basi cera 



instructum. 

 Caput pennis arete tectum. 



Lingua plerisque bifida. 



Beak hooked, furnished at 

 the base with a cere. 



Head well covered with 

 feathers. 



Tongue, in most species, 

 bifid. 



JL HE birds of this genus differ from the Vultures 

 in having a less elongated beak, very strong, 

 curved, and generally furnished on each side, 

 towards the tip, with a kind of tooth or process. 

 They prey, in general, on living animals, unless 

 compelled by hunger. The species are extremely 

 numerous, and are observed to vary considerably 

 in their plumage according to age and other cir- 

 cumstances. The males are smaller than the 

 females. The genus may be considered as con- 

 stituting five tribes or families, viz. Eagles, Falcons, 

 Kites, Buzzards, and Hawks. 



