FAX-CONID.E. 



ORDER. RAPTORES. 

 FALCONIDJE. 



The birds of prey, placed by ornithologists of all ages at 

 the head of the feathered tribes, are justly entitled to the 

 distinction thus bestowed upon them, by their superior size, 

 their powerful and muscular limbs, their address in pursuing, 

 and courage in attacking their prey. Those under present 

 consideration attack only living subjects. Of the larger 

 kinds some feed chiefly upon quadrupeds, others plunge into 

 the ocean in pursuit of their aquatic prey. Among the 

 smaller kinds some attack reptiles, and others nourish them- 

 selves almost entirely upon insect food. 



The Falconidse are further distinguished by the powerful 

 offensive weapons with which they are provided, in the strong 

 and hooked beak, and the claws formed for grasping with 

 resistless tenacity. Their flight is rapid and long sustained, 

 and they rise to a great elevation, from whence they are 

 enabled, by their piercing vision, to detect the creatures 

 suited to their wants. 



In most species of this family several years elapse before 

 the perfect adult plumage is attained, during which period 

 many changes take place. These changes are chiefly effected 

 by the annual moult ; but partially also, as far as regards the 

 tint of the plumage, by the increasing age of the subject. 

 For instance, the tail of the young male Kestril, which, in 

 the plumage of the first year, is brown barred with black, 

 may be observed to become more and more inclining to grey 

 at the base, as the bird approaches the period of the annual 

 autumnal moult, before the actual discharge of the brown 



