10 NORTHERN ZOOLOGY. 



proof, at least, that its affinities to Astur and to the aberrant Eagles adjoining- that 

 group, have not escaped observation. Our idea, that the Buzzards are truly united 

 to the Eagles, is still further strengthened by the Buteo pterocles, Temm., of which 

 a fine series of specimens, from Mexico, has been submitted to our inspection 

 by John Taylor, Esq., F.R.S., &c. In this species, the wings, as in Butto, are 

 remarkably long, but the bill is so considerably lengthened, that were we to judge 

 alone from this member, we should have no scruple in placing the bird among 

 the Aqidlw. On the other hand, it must be remembered, that as every group, 

 from the highest to the lowest denomination, when perfect, contains a represen- 

 tation of the other four, united to a form peculiar to itself; so we might naturally 

 expect that one division of the Buzzards would represent the true Eagles. To 

 ascertain, therefore, whether the resemblances above stated are those of ana- 

 logy, or of real affinity, recourse must be had to strict analysis. Now this, in 

 our present state of knowledge, cannot be done, at least from the resources to be 

 found in this country. We have thought it advisable to cite the above facts, 

 drawn from the structure of the birds themselves, as likely to awaken the atten- 

 tion of ornithologists to a further investigation of the subject ; they will, at least, 

 show that our opinion on the unity of the three aberrant groups, is not entirely 

 without foundation. 



In regard to the relative value of the whole group, we consider it equivalent 

 to that of Vidtur or of Strix in its own order, and to the families composing the 

 Rasores, Grallatores, and Natatores. We shall, therefore, in conformity with this 

 impression, contemplate the five principal divisions as genera, arranging the sub- 

 ordinate forms, which have been by some naturalists elevated to that rank, as 

 sub-genera ; — an uniformity of nomenclature between groups of the same appa- 

 rent rank will thus be preserved. But it is not this consideration alone which 

 has influenced our decision. Diversified as are the forms among the Falconidas, 

 they are certainly not more so than what may be observed among the Troehilidw. 

 Both these families are so strongly marked, that the veriest tyro in the science 

 can never mistake them ; but the Falcons, from their imposing size, by which their 

 peculiarities are rendered more apparent, have attracted more attention, and have 

 been divided and subdivided, until one-half of the modern genera contain but a 

 single species: while the Trochilidge, exhibiting among themselves a much greater 

 diversity of structure, have only lately been arranged under their primary groups*. 

 If, then, we are to adopt, as genera, all the minor divisions that have been proposed 



* Zool. Journ., iii., p. 357. 



