AQDILIN.E. 



IS 



longest. Tail long and nearly even. Tarsi lengthened, nearly twice the length of the middle toe, 

 covered in front and posteriorly with transverse scales, and on the sides with small irregular scales. 

 Toes moderate, strong, and covered above with transverse scales, except at the base ; the claws strong, 

 curved, and acute. 



They are pecxxliar to South America, where they usually reside in the immense forests that border the lakes and 

 rivers, and are generally perched on the high branches of dead trees, when on the look out for their prey, which 

 principally consists of reptiles, and occasionally of small quadrupeds, dead birds, and perhaps fish. If they observe one 

 of these within a short distance, they dart upon it from their lofty station. They prefer, however, the lower branches 

 to take their rest. 



1. M. Urubitinga (GmA.) Cuv. — Aquilapicta Spix, A v. Bras. t. 

 1., PL col. 55. ; Pandion fulvus Vieill. 



2. M. busort (Shaw), Le Vaill. Ois. d'Afr. t. 21 Buteogallus 



cathartoi'des Less. 



3. M. guianensis (Daud.) Less. Tr. d'Orn. t. 11. f. 2. — 



Spizaetus variegatus Vieill. ; Morphnus eristatus Less. ; Falco Son- 

 ninii Shaw. 



Thkasaetus.* 



Bill long, very strong, culmen at the base straight, and then suddenly curved at the tip, which is 

 hooked and acute ; the nostrils rather linear, and longitudinally transverse. Wings moderate, reaching 

 beyond the base of the tail, with the fourth, fifth, and sixth quills the longest. Tail long, broad, and 

 slightly rounded. Tarsi short, very thick, covered in front with large scales, and on the sides with 

 small scales. Toes long, very robust, and covered above with large transverse scales, except at the base, 

 where they are small. 



The type is found only in the great inundated or humid forests of Intertropical America, especially those that border 

 the great rivers. In the morning it may be noticed flying over the dense forests, seeking among the branches for the 

 monkeys and sloths on which it more especially preys, though it does not refuse other kinds of quadrupeds or birds when 

 they fall in its way. When at rest they perch on the lower branches of the trees. 



T. Harpyia (Linn.) — Falco destructor Temm. PL col. 14.; I Shaw ; F. Jacquini et F. eristatus ? Gmel. ; F. Caracca Shaw; H. 

 Harpyia destructor Cuv. ; Falco imperialis, F. Calquin, et F. regalis | ferox Less. ; H. maxima Vieill. 



Cachinna Flem.-f 



Bill very short, suddenly arched from the base to the tip, which is hooked and acute ; the sides 

 compressed, the lateral margins festooned, and the gonys curved upwards ; the nostrils large and 

 rounded. Wings moderate, with the third, fourth, and fifth quills equal and longest. Tail lengthened 

 and much rounded. Tarn longer than the middle toe, strong, and entirely reticulated. Toes moderate, 

 covered at the tips Avith two or three large scales, and the remaining part with small scales. 



This singular form is peculiar to South America, where it inhabits the borders of marshes, preying on reptiles and 

 fish. 



C. herpetotheres — Falco cachinnans, Linn. Gal. des Ois. t. 19., Spix, Av. Bras. t. 3. a. 



* This division was originally established with the name of Harpyia by Vieillot (1816) ; but that word having been employed for a genus 

 of Mammalia, I changed it to the above name in 1 837. 



t Established by Dr. Fleming {Phil, of Zool. ii. p. 236.) (1822). It is coequal with Herpetotheres of Vieillot (1825), and Macagua of 

 M. Lesson (1837). 



