Synopsis of the Birds 
FAMILY II, RAPACES. 
M 
JVocturni , Accipitrini , 111 . Accipitres diurni , Accipitres 'woe- 
turni, Cur, Vulturini, Accipitrini , (Egolii, Gypa'eti , VieilL 
Rapaces diurni , Rapaces nocturni , Ranz* 
Vulturini , Accipitrini , (Egolii , jLatfr. 
Head thickly covered with feathers. Tarsus longer than 
the middle toe ; nails strong, sharp, much incurved, very re- 
tractile. Tail of twelve feathers. 
Solitary, or in pairs during the breeding season only. Feed 
on living animals, unless compelled by hunger ; seize their 
prey and carry it in their talons. Lay the food before their 
young. Expel them from the nest when full-fledged. 
2. FALCO. 
Falco, L . Gm. LcufA. ///. Cw. Temm. Ram* 
Aquila , Accipiter, Briss. Aquila , Falco, Rrehm. Daptrius } 
Ibycter , Polyborus, Aquila , Haliaetos , Pandion , Circaetos, 
Circus , Buteo, Milvus , Elanus (since Elanoides), letinia, Falco » 
Tinnunculus (since united to Falco), Physeta (since Herpe - 
iotheres,) Harpy ia, Spiza'etos , Asturina, Sparvius, VieilL 
Bill robust ; cere short, coloured, obvious ; lower mandi- 
ble obliquely rounded at tip : nostrils situated at the edge of 
the cere. Eyes lateral, sunk deep in the head. Feet strong ; 
farsus of middling length. 
Female differing often in colour, and much larger than 
the male. Young more variegated by spots and lines than 
the adults : vary greatly from age, and do not receive their 
perfect plumage until the third or fourth year. 
Diurnal. Fly high and soar beyond the reach of vision. 
Obtain their prey by violence, pouncing upon it sometimes 
from a great height. 
§ 1. Bill elongated , straight at base . 
Aquila, Briss . Brehm . Aigles proprement dits , Temm . 
Bill with ap obtuse lobe each side : head feathers long, 
