I IO 
British Birds. 
The Birds of Prey .— Order Accipitriformes. 
In this Order are placed all the Birds of Prey which are not Owls. The eyes are in 
all cases placed sideways in the head, not directed forwards as are those of the last- 
named birds, and there are other well-marked anatomical and osteological differences 
between the two Orders. They are, however, connected together by the Ospreys, 
which constitute the Sub-order Pandiones. These birds combine the aspect of Sea- 
Eagles with the structure of Owls, and like the latter they possess a reversible outer toe. 
The Osprey. 
This fine bird is preserved from extinction by being protected 
THE OSPREY. ; n a f ew districts in Scotland by enlightened land-owners : other- 
(Pcindion haliaetus.) . , , , , , 
wise there can be little doubt that it would long ago have been 
exterminated by the greed of collectors and egg-hunters. Young birds are 
frequently shot on our sea-coasts and inland waters, generally during the season 
of autumn migration. The species may always be distinguished by its blue feet and 
by the spicules which cover the soles of the feet, and these little spikes must be 
of great assistance to the bird in the capture of large fish, at which the Osprey 
is an adept. The bird loves solitude, and generally only one pair is found inhabiting a 
district in Scotland, but on the Continent two or three nests are sometimes met with 
