of the United States . 31 
though not so much so as the true kites (Milvus.) Like 
these, excel in flight, describing graceful circles in the air 
with a broad expanse of wing. Seldom attempt to take their 
prey flying, but pounce upon it while it is at rest. Feed on 
small birds, insects, and particularly reptiles, contenting 
themselves with dead animal substances. 
16. Falco melanopterus, Daudin, Bluish-gray, beneath 
white ; wing-coverts black ; tail even. 
Black-winged Hawk , Falco melanopterus , nob. Am. Orn . 
ii. pi. adult female. 
Inhabits the southern states ; also Africa and South Ame- 
rica, the south-western part of Asia, the island of Java, and 
probably India. 
17. Falco furcatus, L. White ; back, wings and tail, glos- 
sy black ; tail deeply forked. 
Swallow-tailed Hawk , Falco furcatus , Wils Am. Orn. vi. 
p. 70 . pi. 51. Jig. 2. adult male. 
Inhabits common during summer in the southern states ; 
Mexico and South America ; exceedingly rare, and only 
astray in Pennsylvania and farther north. 
SUBGEJVUS VIII. BUTEO. 
Buteo, Bechst. Cuv. Vieill. Buses , Temm. 
Bill short, moderately compressed, rather weak ; upper 
mandible rounded above, terminating in a long hook, lobe 
obtuse ; sides of the lower mandible bent inwards ; cere short ; 
nostrils rather large, nearly round ; lores almost covered by 
short bristles : head rather large ; neck thick and short ; 
body thick. Tarsus short, thick, scutellated, partially or 
entirely feathered ; outer toes connected at base by a mem- 
brane ; nails acute, rather weak, those of the inner and hind 
toe nearly equal and largest. Wings elongated ; four first 
primaries abruptly attenuated at tip on the inner web ; the 
first very short, the fourth longest. Tail moderate, even. 
Female larger, but similar in colour. Young widely dif- 
