46 



THE FOOD OF ANIMALS 



BIRDS OF PREY 



Among living birds some of the most notable groups are those 

 which include Birds of Prey, such as eagles, falcons, hawks, and 

 owls, and the structural features enabling them to catch small 

 Mammals, other birds, reptiles, or fish are sufficiently obvious. 



Fig. 337- — A Falcon preying upon Lemmings 



Take, for example, any sort of Falcon (fig. 337). Here we find 

 great powers of rapid flight, a strong hooked beak, and well- 

 separated toes provided with large and sharp talons, which have 

 been compared to grappling-irons; add also very perfectly - con- 

 structed eyes and remarkably keen sight. Three toes are directed 

 forwards and one backwards. In Owls the large eyes are suited 

 for making the most of a feeble light. 



A very interesting bird of prey possessed of long legs and 

 webbed feet, quite unlike those of the preceding, is the Secretary 

 Bird (Serpentarius) found in South and East Africa (fig. 338). It 

 feeds upon many kinds of reptiles, especially snakes, on which 



