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FALCONIFORMES 
The term “osprey,” as applied by the millinery trade, has nothing 
to do with this bird. The graceful plumes called ospreys are the product 
of a heron or egret, and the origin of the use of this confusing name for 
them is somewhat obscure. 
The Osprey frequents broad, shallow, tidal flats, shallow bays, and clear 
water, where the fish on the bottom are exposed to view, and not too deep 
for capture. In the inferior, the species is constantly growing rarer, but 
it seems to hold its own much better on the seacoast. Its great, bulky nest 
upreared conspicuously, and added to year after year, constantly invites 
attack from the human nest robber, who imagines that because the osprey 
is a hawk and eats a few fish it can claim no consideration at his hands. 
Next to man its worst enemy is the Bald Eagle which pursues and forces it 
to drop the hard-earned result of its fishing. With a clever swoop the bold 
raider catches the fish in the air as it falls, and makes off with his booty. 
Economic Status. Though the food of the Osprey is entirely fish the 
antipathy that fishermen have for it is rather exaggerated. Feeding as 
it does in shallow waters it takes few fish of economic importance. On the 
coast, flounders, tomcod, and other small species form the bulk of its 
food. On the freshwater lakes, sunfish, perch, and suckers seem to be its 
staples. The number of game or marketable fish it catches is undoubtedly 
small. In eleven stomach examinations there was none. Trout streams 
are not attractive to the species and most of the valuable fish, such as bass 
and pickerel, usually lie too deep for it to catch. 
FAMILY FALCONIDAE. CARACARAS AND FALCONS 
This family is divided into two subfamilies, one of which, Poliborinae 
the Caracaras, has been represented in Canada by a single stray specimen. 
In general they can be described as hawks that have turned vulture. 
362. Common Caracara. le caracara commun. Polyborus cheriway. L, 23. 
A vulture-like hawk with long cere and both mandibles bare of feathers to beyond eye. 
The talons, although strong and well developed, 
are not decidedly curved for holding struggling 
prey. Strongly black and white, with shoulders 
distinctly and sharply barred. 
Distinctions. Plainly characterized as above. 
Distribution,. The warmer parts of North and 
South America. A single specimen was taken 
years ago near Port Arthur, Ontario. 
SUBSPECIES. The North American form is 
Audubon’s Caracara (le Caracara d’Audubon) 
Polyborus cheriway auduboni, ranging from Lower Figure 209 
California to I lorida. Audubon’s Caracara; scale, 
Subfamily — Falconinae. True Falcons 
The falcons were known to the old falconers as the Noble or Long- 
winged Hawks, and on account of their great spirit, strength, and address, 
were the chosen birds for use in hunting. Their long wings give then# 
great speed and their endurance permits them to maintain it. They 
are bold and strong and capture their prey by sudden swoops when possible, 
