112 
FA LCO N I FORMES 
in highest plumage and quickly fades to white after death. Female and young are alike 
and not distinguishable from parallel plumages of the American Merganser without careful 
study of details. The head is generally a paler red and blends gradually into the grey of 
the lower neck. The reddish colour suffuses over the throat which is usually light, but it 
rarely has a decided white patch. The bill characteristics are the only certain identifica- 
tion. The bill of the Red-breasted is of lighter and more slender build and the nostrils 
are well within its basal half. These are comparative distinctions, only evident when 
both species are in hand for direct comparison. The feathering of the base of the bill is 
absolutely distinctive. In this species the feathering of sides of the upper mandible ex- 
tends weil forward of that on the lower (Figure 169). 
Field Marks. Like the preceding species except — in adult, male — presence of crest, 
immaculate white or pink underbody, dark breast-band, and less white on sides, flank, and 
wings. In flight, smaller amount of white on bend of wing and outer scapulars. It is 
questionable whether females can be distinguished in life with certainty from the previous 
species. The paler red of the head, its gradual blending into the lower neck and body 
colour, and the lack of decided white throat patch are suggestive but not determinative. 
Nesting. On ground near water, sometimes in trees. 
Distribution. More or less common throughout Canada, nesting north to Arctic coast. 
In general habits similar to the preceding, but more often seen on the 
larger waters and comparatively rare on small streams and pools. 
Order — Falconiformes. Diurnal Birds of Prey 
General Description. Flesh-eating birds with four well-developed toes, each armed 
with a strong, sharp claw or talon for seizing and holding prey. Bill is hooked, and the 
base covered with a swollen soft skin or cere in which the nostrils are situated (Figure 171, 
but See also 172, page 114). The Birds of Prey differ from the generality of birds in that 
the females are considerably larger than the males. This is probably due to the greater 
strain placed upon the female in feeding her young. This greater responsibility, demand- 
ing strength, weight, and endurance rather than fine technique, necessitates a higher 
development of these qualities in the female than in the male, who, although he may assist 
his mate, lias not the final responsibility for the growing family. 
Figure 170 
Foot Diurnal Birds of Prey. 
Bill 
Distribution. Raptorial birds are distributed over all the world except the Antarctic 
continent, where their place is taken by the Skua Gulls and other rapacious sea-birds. 
Though for many years the Diurnal Birds of Prey have been closely associated with 
the Nocturnal Birds of Prey (Owls) by systematists, latest revisions have quite removed 
them from each other and the Owls have been given an order to themselves {Strigi formes) . 
Falconiformes is divided into two Suborders: Cathartae American Vultures; and Falcones 
the Hawks, Eagles, etc. 
Economic Status. Perhaps no birds are better known and at the same 
time so generally misunderstood in their economic relations as these. All 
know the flesh-eating propensities of the hawks, owls, and eagles, but few 
realize that amongst them are some of man’s best friends and that the 
popular policy of killing them indiscriminately is a mistaken one. Some 
do considerable damage, but to include all in the condemnation merited 
by the few is a grave economic error. The first family, the Vultures, 
are repulsive birds, but as scavengers exceedingly useful, and no valid 
