2 



Order I. ACCIPITRES Linn* 



This order embraces the Birds of Prey : they have the Bill of various length and form, more or less 

 compressed ; with the culmen suddenly hooked at the tip, and acute ; the base more or less covered with 

 a cere, in which are pierced the variously formed Nostrils ; the Wings lengthened and pointed ; the 

 Feet strong, with the Tarsi moderate, generally rounded, and covered with scales of different shapes ; the 

 Toes three before and one behind, all armed with strong Claws, and their soles invariably rough. 



The first Suborder, 



ACCIPITRES DIUMI, or Diurnal Birds of Prey, 



are distinguished from those that pursue their food in the twilight or at night, by the lateral position of 

 their Eyes ; the base of the upper mandible covered for nearly half its length with a prominent cere, in 

 which the Nostrils are placed ; the Tarsi moderate, scaled, and rarely covered with plumes. 



The first Family, 



VULTURID.E, or Vultures, 



have the Bill more or less strong, compressed, with the tip hooked and acute ; the Wings lengthened 

 and pointed ; the Tarsi short, rounded, and covered with reticulated scales ; the Toes moderate ; the 

 middle one the longest, and longer than the Tarsi, the outer connected with the middle one by a 

 membrane, the hind toe rather elevated, and all armed with strong obtuse Claws. 



Most of the birds of this family have the head and neck more or less clothed with down in the place 

 of feathers, and the crop is prominent, naked, or covered with woolly hairs. 



* The Baptatores of Illiger, the Rapaces of M. Teraminck, or the Raptores of Mr. Swainson. 



