3 
GENUS II. 
FALCO— FALCONS. 
This is the most numerous tribe of rapa- 
cious birds ; the distinguishing characters of 
which are: 
Bill hooked, the base covered with a cere. 
Head covered with close-set feathers. 
Tongue bifid. 
Birds of prey take an elevated range of 
flight, and subsist altogether on animal food ; 
yet seldom feed on carrion, except when 
driven to it by necessity. They are able to 
sustain hunger for a great length of time, 
are not so prolific, but more bold and fero- 
cious than other birds. Buffon observes, 
that " Accustomed continually to scenes of 
carnage, and torn by angry passions, they 
contract a stern and cruel disposition; all 
the softer feelings are eradicated, and the 
parental affection of the female is blunted. 
She regards not the imploring calls of her 
helpless young, but when straitened for food, 
she rudely thrusts them upon the world, or 
murders them in a transport of fury." These 
birds are very quick-sighted, and can discern 
a 2 
