Raven. 



RAFTER.— A name for the Beam Bird. 

 RAIL (Rattus, Linnaeus.) — A genus of Waders (Grallatores, 

 Illiger.) 



RAIN BIRD. — A name for the Poppinjay. 



RALLIDiE (Leach.) — *Rails, a family of Wading Birds (Gralla- 

 tores, Illiger.)* 



RALLUS (Linn^us.) — *Rail, a genus thus characterised. Bill 

 longer than the head, slender, slightly arched or straight, compressed at 

 the base, cylindric at the point ; upper mandible furrowed ; nostrils at the 

 sides of the bill, slit lengthwise in the furrow, half shut by a mem- 

 brane, and pierced from part to part ; legs long, strong, a small space 

 naked above the knee ; three toes before, and one behind ; the fore toes 

 divided, the hind toe joined upon the shank ; wings middle sized and 

 rounded ; the first quill much shorter than the second, third, and 

 fourth, which are the longest in the wing.* 



RAPTORES (Illiger.)— * Birds of prey.* 



