ILLUSTRATIONS 
OF 
BRITISH ORNITHOLOGY. 
OrpEer I. RAPACIOUS. RAPACES, Auctor: 
N . . 
at HIS Order contains the Genera that are strictly carni- 
VOrous. 
CHARACTERS OF THE ORDER. 
Bill strong, short, compressed at the sides, and hooked to- 
_ wards the extremity, and in many cases having its base co- 
vered with a naked skin called the Cere. Limbs strong and 
muscular, generally short, or of mean length. ‘Toes entirely 
divided, or united at the base by a membrane, three before 
and one behind, armed with crooked and sharp talons, well 
adapted for securing and tearing their prey. ‘These birds 
are capable of enduring hunger for a great length of time, 
and seldom drink. Live solitary, and are monogamous. 
According to the most approved systems, this Order con- 
tains six Genera, of which only the Falcon (Genus Falco) 
and Owl (Genus Strix) contribute to the British Fauna. 
Genus I. FALCON, FALCO, Linn. 
GENERIC CHARACTERS. 
Head covered with feathers, bill strong, short, generally 
bending from its base, which is covered with a naked and co- 
A 
