VERTEBRATA. 
335 
for rapid and powerful flight. The bill is stout and sharp, 
and usually toothed. All are carnivorous. The female is 
larger than the male, except the Condor. There are two 
Fig. 320.—Foot of Parrot and Woodpecker. 
sections: the Diurnal , whose eyes are on the sides of the 
head, wings pointed, and metatarsus and toes covered over 
with scales, as the Vultures, Kites, Hawks, Falcons, and 
Eagles; the Nocturnal , whose large eyes are directed for¬ 
ward, and surrounded by radiating feathers, metatarsus 
feathered, and plumage soft, as the Owls. 
9. Picariae .—This polymorphic group has hardly any 
peculiarities in common. 171 The toes are usually paired, 
two in front and two behind. 
There are three divisions of the order: Cypseli , or 
Swifts, Goat-suckers, and Humming-birds; Cuculi , or 
Cuckoos, Kingfishers, Trogons, Toucans, Hornbills, and 
Hoopoes ; and Pici , or Woodpeckers. These Birds are not 
musical, and only ordinary fliers. They feed on Insects 
or fruit. The majority make nests in the hollows of old 
trees ; but the Cuckoos lay in the nests of other Birds. In 
climbing, the Woodpeckers are assisted by their stiff tail. 
