Raven. 
RAFTER. — A name for the Beam Bird. 
RAIL {^Rallus, Linn^us.) — A genus of Waders (^Grallatores, 
Illiger.) 
RAIN BIRD. — A name for the Poppinjay. 
RALLIDAi (Leach.) — *Rails, a family of Wading Birds (^Gralla- 
toreS ) Illiger.)* 
RALLUS (LiNNiEUS.) — *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 hill, 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.* 
