BIRDS 173 



The Red Grouse deserves special mention, for, with the 

 exception of certain fresh-water fishes, it is the only vertebrate 

 species peculiar to Britain. 



Order 11. — TiNAMOUS (Crypturi) 



This is a small group of South American birds which are 

 locally called " partridges ", a name which at once suggests their 

 general appearance and size. Though, however, appearing to 

 have certain points in common with game-birds, they are also 

 allied to flightless birds (ostriches, &c.), as is evidenced by the 

 structure of the skull 

 and by the much-re- 

 duced tail, the quills 

 of which are not sup- 

 ported by a plough- 

 share-bone resulting 

 from the fusion of 

 the last few vertebrae 

 (see p. 144). 



Order 12. — Eagles 



and Vultures 



(Accipitres) 



It has been a 

 frequent practice to 

 associate together as 

 " birds of prey " eagles, 

 vultures, owls, and 

 their allies; but the _. _ ■ t,, ,^ , ^ 



' rig. 119. — Feregrine Salcon \Falco peregnnus , 



association, like many 



others founded mainly on habit, is an artificial one, and it is now 

 considered better to make two groups of such birds. The one 

 under consideration includes those forms which hunt their prey 

 in the daytime. The beak is hooked and the toes are furnished 

 with formidable talons, but the great toe is not reversible as in 

 owls, being permanently directed backwards. The plumage is 

 compact, and the eyes face to the side. 



Four groups are here included — Falcons, vultures, American 

 vultures, and secretary-birds. 



