HAWKS. 
149 
are not quite sure that they will ultimately bear 
separation. We shall place Accipiter first, as 
representing the section. 
Sparrow-Hawk. 
Accipiter, generic character. — Bill curved 
from the base, compressed ; mandible with a 
distinct obtuse lobe or festoon ; nostrils 
oval ; wings short, rounded, fourth and fifth 
feathers longest ; first, with the inner web 
notched ; next four, with both webs emargi- 
nated j tarsi and feet slender, lengthened, 
scutelated in front with thin and smooth 
scales, closely united to each other; toes, 
with the middle longer than the outer by 
one joint, than the inner by two ; hallux and 
inner toes equal ; claws rather slender, but 
sharp and hooked ; those of the hind and 
inner toes longest and strong. 
Note — Cosmopolite, habits sylvan, strike their 
prey on the ground, occasionally on the wing, 
