BIRDS OF PREY. 31 



5. Like the Passerinae and Scansoriae, birds of prey are borx^ 

 generally naked, with the eyes closed, and cannot live without 

 the assistance of their parents, who, during their tender age, 

 supply all their wants. 



6. These birds form two families : the Blurticc, and the 

 NocturncE, which may be distinguished by means of the follow- 

 ing characters : 



C Eyes directed from the side ; the head and neck 

 ( Diurna. J well proportioned ; the external toe directed for- 

 I j ward, and almost always united to the middle toe 



J I by a small membrane. 



Rapaces. j 



I f Eyes directed forward ; head very large and 



(. l\^i.c^ ncB. ^ neck very short; external toe may be directed 

 (_ either forwards or backwards. 



FAMILY OF DAY BIRDS OF PREY, OR DIURX.E, 



7. The Diurnae have their eyes directed sidewise ; the head 

 and neck are well proportioned ; (Plate 3, Jig. 1. 4%-.) the nares 

 are pierced through a naked membrane, called cera, which covers 

 the base of the beak ; they have three toes in front and one be- 

 hind without feathers, and the two external ones are almost 

 always united at their base by a short membrane ; flight power- 

 ful ; the quills strong ; the plumage close ; the sternum large and 

 completely ossified, and the fourchette semi-circular, and widely 

 separated ; finally, the stomach is almost entirely membranous, 

 and the intestines of small extent. 



8. The family of Diurnce is divided into three principal tribes, 

 easily recognised by the following characters : 



(Tribes.) 

 A more or less consider- ) 

 able part of the head and > Vultures, 

 neck destitute of feathers. ^ 



Diurnal 



Rapaces, 



having 



Eyes even with the 

 head, and talons pro- < 

 portionally feeble. 



Head covered with fea- ) Qj,if.pj»" 

 , thers. S 



Eyes surmounted by a projecting eyebrow which ) 

 makes them appear sunk in the head ; talons very > Falcons. 

 strong. S 



5. What is the condition of birds of prey at the time of birth ? 



6. Into what families is the order of Rapaces divided ? How are the 

 Diurnae characterised? In what respects do the Nocturna?. differ from, the 

 Diurnae ? 



7. How are the Diurnee distinguished ? On finding a membranous 

 stomach and intestines of email extent in a bird, upon what would you infer 

 that it habitually fed ? 



8. Into what tribes is the family of Diurnee divided ? What are the 

 characters of Vultures ? How do Griffins differ from Vultures ? What are 

 the characters of Falcons? 



