86 American Birds 



bull-pup. The claws sank through to the flesh, and before 

 they could be pried loose they had drawn blood in three 

 places. 



All birds of prey swallow a great deal of indigestible 

 matter, such as the fur and bones of animals and the feath- 

 ers of birds. After the nutritious portions have been ab- 

 sorbed, the rest of the mass is formed into pellets in the 

 stomach, and is vomited up before a new supply of food is 

 eaten. By the examination of these pellets, found about 

 the nest or under the roost, a scientist can get a good idea 

 of the character of the food that has been eaten. Besides, 

 one generally finds in the nest the remains of creatures 

 upon which the young birds have been feeding. 



The birds of prey are well able to fulfil their mission 

 in the world of natural things. All parts of the organic 

 world are linked together in a thousand ways, and one 

 form of life is dependent upon other forms, while the 

 whole has been summed up in a general law called the 

 *' balance of nature." If, for example, we were to kill 

 off our birds of prey, we would have no check against the 

 rodents that infest our fields. Nature made these birds, 

 with strong wings and acute eyes ; she gave them powerful 

 claws to pierce the entrails of the small animals, and 

 strong, hooked bills for tearing the flesh. They digest 

 food so rapidly that they are continually on the hunt, and 

 eat a large amount each day. 



The owls as a family are the most helpful birds of 

 prey to the farmer. With few exceptions they are night 

 hunters. Their eyes and ears are remarkably acute, and 

 are keenest in the early hours of the night and morning. 

 Many harmful rodents are most active in their search for 



