BIRDS OF PREY 



(Order Rap tores J 



These rapacious birds, whose entire structure indicates 

 strength, ferocity, carnivorous appetite, and powerful flight, 

 have, for their diagnostic features, strong, hooked bills, covered 

 toward the base with a cere, or membrane, through which the 

 nostrils open; four long, strong toes, flexibly jointed to secure 

 greatest grasping power, and fitted with sharp, curved nails or 

 talons; long, ample wings and muscular legs, partly feathered. 

 The young, though not naked when hatched, as are most altri- 

 cial birds, remain in the nest, dependent on their parents, for a 

 long time. 



American Vultures 



(Family Calbartidce) 



Two of the eight vultures found in the western hemisphere 

 live chiefly in the southern part of the United States. These 

 birds have head and neck bare of feathers or covered only with 

 down; toes and tarsus bare likewise; claws not much incurved 

 and not very sharp; perfectly developed wings for continuous, 

 majestic flight; and strong digestive organs adapted to carrion, 

 since these birds are most active scavengers. Vultures are gre- 

 garious. They alone, among the birds of prey, feed their young 

 by disgorging food. 



Turkey Vulture 



Black Vulture 



Kites, Hawks, Eagles 



(Family Falconidce) 



A loud, startling cry; powerful legs and feet for striking at 

 prey; the hind fourth toe as long as the others, for grasping; 



301 



