FAMILY ALAUDIDÆ(Larks)Wings with nine or more visible primaries. Planta tarsi scutellate. Granivorous birds, frequenting open spaces, and singing during their flight; nesting on ground and seeking their food there by running; they are 'pulverators', i.e. they shake dust or sand into their feathers instead of bathing.47.Alauda(Lark). Bill moderate, slightly compressed at edges; upper mandible more or less arched from middle. Nostrils basal, oval, covered by bristly feathers directed forward. Gape straight. Wings long; first primary short but unmistakably developed; second, third and fourth nearly equal, but third longest. Tail moderate, slightly forked. Tarsus longer than middle toe; claws slightly curved and moderate, except that of hind toe, which is generally elongate and nearly straight.Page 11948.Otócorys(Shore-lark). Bill rather short, subconic; upper mandible slightly arched. Head—in adult male—with tuft of long, erectile feathers on either side of occiput. Wings long; first primary so small as at first sight to seem wanting, second longest but third nearly its equal, fourth decidedly shorter, outer secondaries short and emarginate at tip. Tail rather long, slightly forked. Tarsus shorter than middle toe; claws moderate and very slightly curved, that of hind toe being comparatively straight.Page 122ORDER PICARIÆOpposed to the Passeres. The feet are relatively weaker and smaller.FAMILY CYPSELIDÆ(Swifts)Tail of ten feathers (swallows have twelve). Gape very wide.49.Cýpselus(Swift). Bill very short, flattened horizontally, triangular; upper mandible curved downwards at the point; gape extending beyond the eyes; legs very short; toes all directed forwards; wings extremely long; first primary a little shorter than the second.Page 123FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDÆ(Goatsuckers)The bill in this family resembles that of the Swallows, but is shorter and weaker; the gape is enormous and its sides are, for the most part, furnished with long and stiff bristles, which point forwards; the wings are long, and formed for powerful flight; the feet are small, and feathered to the toes; plumage soft and downy, and beautifully mottled with black, brown, grey, and white, varying in colour with the soil of their habitat; the claw of the middle toe is dilated on one side and toothed like a comb. Tail of ten feathers. Nocturnal birds, feeding on large insects, which they capture in their flight.50.Caprimúlgus(Goatsucker or Nightjar). Bill very short, somewhat curved, broad and flattened at the base; upper mandible curved downwards at the tip; gape extending beyond the eyes, and armed with strong bristles; wings long; first primary shorter than the second, which is the longest.Page 125FAMILY PICIDÆ(Woodpeckers)Feet short, but of unusual strength; the rigid toes diverge from a centre, two pointing forwards, and two backwards; claws large, much curved, and very hard and sharp; breast-bone shallow; flight weak and undulating.SUB-FAMILY PICINÆTail feathers stiff and pointed: nostrils covered with bristles.51.Dendrocopus(Spotted Woodpeckers). Bill about as long as the head, robust, straight, irregular, compressed, pyramidal, laterally bevelled at the tip; tongue long and extensile, the tip barbed; nostrils basal, oval, concealed by reflected bristly feathers; wings with the first primary very short, fourth and fifth longest; tail-feathers graduated, stiff and pointed. Fourth toe much longer than third. Prevailing colours of the plumage black and white, or black and red.Page 12752.Gécinus(Green Woodpecker). Bill hard, broad at base, compressed at tip; upper mandible slightly arched, ending abruptly with shallow groove on each side running parallel to and near the culmen, and longer than lower mandible, which is pointed and has the gonys nearer the tip than the base and the tomia rounded. The fourth toe equal to the third. Prevailing colour greenish, otherwise much as in Dendrocopus.Page 129SUB-FAMILY IŸNGINÆNostrils partly covered by a membrane. Nostrils partly covered by a membrane.53.Iÿnx(Wryneck). Bill shorter than the head, straight, conical; tongue long and extensile; nostrils without bristles, partly closed by a membrane; wings with the second primary somewhat the longest; tail-feathers soft and flexible.Page 131FAMILY ALCEDINIDÆ(Kingfishers)Bill long, stout, and pointed, with angular sides, not serrated; feet small and feeble, the outer and middle toes united to the last joint; wings rounded and hollow, ill adapted for protracted flight; form robust, with a large head and usually a short tail. Predatory birds, feeding on fish, insects, and even reptiles, birds, and small quadrupeds. Scattered over the world, but Australia and South America contain the greatest number of species.54.Alcédo(Kingfisher). Bill long, straight, quadrangular, sharp; wings short with the third primary the longest; tail very short.Page 132FAMILY CORACIIDÆ(Rollers)Bill corvine in shape; culmen rounded; nostrils near base of upper mandible and hidden by bristly feathers; tail feathers twelve.54.Corácias(Roller). Bill compressed, straight, with cutting edges; upper mandible slightly hooked at the point; sides of the gape bristled; tarsus short; wings long; first primary a little shorter than the second, which is the longest.Page 134FAMILY MEROPIDÆ(Bee-eaters)Bill long; culmen with sharply defined ridge; toes joined for part of length.55.Mêrops(Bee-eater). Bill long, compressed, slightly curved, slender, with cutting edges, broad at the base; upper mandible keeled, the tip not hooked; tarsus very short; wings long, pointed, second primary the longest; centre tail feathers elongated.Page 135FAMILY UPUPIDÆ(Hoopoes)56.Upupa(Hoopoe). Bill longer than the head, slender, slightly arched, compressed; feathers of the head long, forming a two-ranked crest; tail even at the extremity.Page 136FAMILY CUCULIDÆ(Cuckoos)Bill moderate, rather deeply cleft, both mandibles compressed, and more or less curved downwards; nostrils exposed; wings for the most part short; tail of ten feathers lengthened; toes four, two pointing backwards and two forwards, but the outer hind toe of each foot is capable of being placed at right angles with either the inner or outer front toe. A tropical family of birds, many of which migrate to the temperate regions in summer. Not so decidedly climbers as the Woodpeckers and Creepers, yet having great power of clinging. Their flight is feeble, their food soft-bodied insects,varied in many cases with berries and other fruits, and some of the larger species will occasionally prey on mice, reptiles, and the eggs and young of birds. Most, perhaps all of the migratory species, lay their eggs in the nests of other birds.57.Cúculus(Cuckoo). Bill shorter than the head, broad, depressed at the base, with the ridge curved and the sides compressed towards the tip, which is entire and acute; nostrils in a membranous groove, the opening rounded and exposed; wings pointed, third primary longest; tail long, graduated; tarsi very short, feathered below the heel.Page 137ORDER STRIGES(OWLS)Head large, feathered; eyes large, dilated and projecting, each surrounded by a concave disc formed of stiff diverging feathers, concealing the cere and nostrils; ears large, and of elaborate construction; plumage lax and downy, adapted for slow and quiet flight; outer toe reversible; tibia more than double the length of tarsus. Food, small quadrupeds, birds, and insects.FAMILY STRIGIDÆSUB-FAMILY STRIGINÆBill somewhat elongated, bending at the tip only; head-tufts wanting nostrils oval, oblique; facial disc large and complete; ears large, covered by an operculum; wings long, the second primary longest; tarsi long, feathered to the toes, which are strangely furnished with hair-like feathers; claws long, the middle one serrated beneath.58.Strix(White Owl). Characters given above.Page 142SUB-FAMILY SYRNIINÆBill bending from the base; tufts more or less conspicuous or wanting; facial disc complete; ears large, covered by an operculum; legs feathered to the claws.59.Asio(Eared Owls). Nostrils oval, oblique; tufts more or less elongated; wings long, second primary the longest.Page 14460.Syrnium(Tawny Owl). Nostrils round; egrets wanting; wings short and rounded; fourth primary longest.Page 146ORDER ACCIPITRES(EAGLES, HAWKS, ETC.)Bill short, strong, stout at base, culmen strongly curved. Feet strong, armed with powerful talons which are capable of being bent under the feet, inner one stronger and more curved than others. Outer toe usually not reversible.FAMILY FALCONIDÆHead covered with feathers, though sides of face are more or less bare.SUB-FAMILY BUTEONINÆBill rather small and weak, bending from the base; cutting edge of the upper mandible nearly straight, or but slightly festooned; cere large;nostrils oval; wings long; the first four feathers deeply notched on their inner webs; tail not forked. Hinder aspect of tarsus scutellate.61.Circus(Harriers). Head surrounded by a circle of feathers; tarsi, long and slender, feathered a little below the joint; wings long third and fourth primaries the longest; tail long, somewhat rounded.Page 14762.Buteo(Buzzard). Lore without feathers; tarsi short and strong, naked or feathered; wings large, the fourth primary the longest.Page 15063.Pernis(Honey Buzzard). Lore with feathers; tarsi short and strong, naked or feathered; wings large, the fourth primary the longest.Page 151SUB-FAMILY AQUILINÆBill stout, convex or slightly angular above, straight at the base, much hooked at the tip, commissure simply festooned; cere bristly; nostrils rounded or oval; wings long. Hinder aspect of tarsus reticulate.64.Aquila(Eagles). Upper mandible with the cutting edge nearly straight; tarsi feathered to the toes; claws unequal, grooved beneath; wings with the fourth primary longest.Page 15265.Haliaëtus(Sea-eagle). Bill very long; edges of the upper mandible slightly prominent near the hook; tarsi half-feathered; claws unequal, grooved beneath; wings with the fourth primary longest; nostrils transverse, with bony margin all round.Page 15366.Pandíon(Osprey). Bill short, cutting edges of the upper mandible nearly straight; tarsi naked; outer toe reversible; claws equal, rounded beneath; wings with the second primary longest.Page 154SUB-FAMILY ACCIPITRINÆLong-legged HawksBill short, strong, curved from the base; edge of the upper mandible with a prominent festoon beyond the middle; nostrils oval; wings rounded, short, reaching only to the middle of the tail; middle toe much the longest.67.Accípiter(Sparrow-hawk). Tarsi long and slender; fourth and fifth primaries equal in length and the longest. Ridge of bill measured from margin of cere is less than half middle toe (without claw).Page 156SUB-FAMILY MILVINÆBill of moderate length, slightly curved from the base, upper mandible with a slight festoon; nostrils oval, oblique; wings long; tail long and forked.68.Milvus(Kites). Tarsi feathered a little below the knee; fourth primary the longest.Page 158SUB-FAMILY FALCONINÆBill short, strong, curved from the base, upper mandible strongly toothed, lower notched; nostrils round; tarsi strong and short; hinder aspect reticulate; wings long and pointed, with the second primary longest, the first and third equal in length and having the inner web notched near the extremity.69.Falco(Falcons, Merlin, Hobby and Kestrel). Characters given above.Page 159ORDER STEGANOPODESHind toe articulated on the inner surface of the tarsus, united to other toes by a web.FAMILY PELECANIDÆBill strong, edges of the mandibles minutely toothed; wings long; legs short; toes four, all connected by a membrane.70.Phalacrócorax(Cormorant). Bill straight, longer than the head, compressed; upper mandible much hooked at the point; face and throat naked; inner edge of the middle claw serrated; tail rounded, rigid.Page 16571.Sula(Gannet). Bill straight, longer than the head, compressed, tapering to a point, which is but slightly curved; face and throat naked; inner edge of the middle claw serrated; tail graduated.Page 168ORDER HERODIONESHallux free, not united to other toes by a web.FAMILY ARDEIDÆ(Herons)Hind toe on same plane as others. Bill rounded or ridged; notched, with no hook at end. Outer toe with broad basal web, obsolete at base of inner toe; middle claw pectinated, loral space bare; powder down patches present.72.Árdea(Herons). Edges of mandibles distinctly serrated; head crested; nape feathers elongated and ornamented; plumes of fore-neck not disintegrated; no dorsal train.Page 17373.Nyctícorax(Night Heron). Bill scarcely longer than the head, much compressed; neck rather thick and short; crest of three very long tapering feathers. In other respects resembling Árdea.Page 17374.Botaurus(Bittern). Bill scarcely longer than the head, much compressed; neck thick, clothed in front with long and loose feathers. In other respects resembling Ardea.Page 173FAMILY CICONIIDÆ(Storks)Hind toe elevated above plane of others; no powder down patches; bill not hooked at tip.75.Cicónia(Stork). Bill much longer than the head, stout, tapering to a point; nostrils near the base, pierced in the horny substance of the bill; tarsi very long; claws not pectinated; wings moderate, third, fourth, and fifth primaries longest.Page 175FAMILY PLATALEIDÆ(Spoonbills)Bill flattened, narrow in middle, and widening out into a spoon-shaped end.76.Plataléa(Spoonbill). Head partly bare, auricular orifice covered with plumes. Nostrils elongated and in a shallow depression.Page 176ORDER ANSERESTarsus about length of femur, reticulate at back and generally in front. Bill straight, always with distinct nail at tip of upper mandible. Young covered with down, and able to run or swim in a few hours after hatching.FAMILY ANATIDÆ(Ducks, Geese, Swans, etc.)Bill thick, broad, high at the base, covered with a thin membranous skin and ending in a nail-like horny tip; edges of the mandibles cut into thin parallel ridges, or toothed; wings moderate; legs placed not very far behind; feet, four-toed, palmated; hind toe free, placed high on the tarsus. Food, grass and aquatic weeds, worms, insects, molluscs, and small fish.SUB-FAMILY ANSERINÆ77.Anser(Geese). Bill nearly long as head, elevated and covered with cere or skin at base; conspicuous nail at tip; under mandible smaller than upper; nostrils lateral, near middle of bill; tail of sixteen feathers; legs under centre of body; hind toe free, articulated upon tarsus.Page 17678.Bernicla(Brent and Bernicle Geese). Bill shorter than head, higher than broad at base; culmen slightly convex, outline of lower mandible decidedly so, leaving elliptical space displaying lamellæ; nostrils sub-basal; neck feathers less furrowed than in Anser; tail short, rounded; tibia feathered to joint; hind toe short and elevated.Page 18079.Cygnus(Swans). Bill of equal length throughout, furnished with knob at base; nostrils medial; legs short; neck exceedingly long.Page 181SUB-FAMILY ANATIDÆBill of equal width throughout, or broader at the top than at the base, of about the same width as the head; legs short, placed rather behind the middle of the body; hind toe without a pendent membrane; tarsi somewhat round.80.Tadorna(Sheldrake). Bill with an elevated tubercle at the base, depressed in the middle; nostrils large, pervious; lower portion of tarsus in front with a row of transverse scutellæ.Page 18481.Anas(Mallard, Gadwall). Bill long as head, broad, depressed, sides parallel, sometimes partially dilated, both mandibles with transverse lamellæ on inner edges; nostrils small, oval, lateral, anterior to base of bill; wings rather long, pointed; tail wedge-shaped; legs rather short; hind toe without lobe. Sexes differ in plumage.Page 18582.Spatula(Shoveller). Bill much longer than head, widening towards end, lamellæ projecting conspicuously; no soft membrane on sides of bill towards tip; wing pointed, first and second quills longest; tail short, graduated; legs very short.Page 18983.Dafila(Pintail). Bill long as head, edges nearly parallel, widening a little to end, lamellæ not strongly defined; neck long, slender; tail sharply pointed, central rectrices considerably elongated in male; margin of web to anterior toes slightly emarginate.Page 19084.Querquédula(Teal). Bill long as head, lamellæ exposed along projecting edge of upper mandible; tail of sixteen feathers, short and rounded; hind toe very small, outer shorter than third, centre rather long; interdigital membrane emarginate.Page 19185.Maréca(Wigeon). Bill shorter than head, higher than broad at base, depressed and narrowed towards point; tail short, pointed; tibia bare for short distance; hind toe with very narrow lobe.Page 192SUB-FAMILY FULIGULINÆHind toe with lobated membrane; tarsi compressed.86.Fulígula(Pochard, Tufted Duck, Scaup). Bill not longer than head, slightly elevated at base, broader towards tip; edges of upper mandible enclosing edges of lower; nostrils near base.Page 19387.Clangúla(Goldeneye). Bill much shorter than head, depressed towards nail, which is elliptical and decurved at tip; lamellæ hidden; nostrils near middle of bill.Page 19588.Harelda(Long-tailed Duck). Bill much shorter than head, tapering rapidly to broad, decurved nail at tip. Lamellæ slightly exposed; nostrils sub-basal. Feathering at base of bill forming oblique line, advancing furthest forward on forehead. Wings rather short, pointed; scapulars elongate and lanceolate in adult male; tail short, graduated except for two central feathers, which are long and tapering in adult male.Page 19689.Somateria(Eider Duck). Bill swollen and elevated at base, extending up the forehead, there divided by angular projection of feathers; nostrils medial.Page 19790.Œdemia(Scoters). Bill short, broad, with an elevated knob at the base, the tip much flattened; nail large, flat, obtuse, slightly deflected; lamellæ coarse, widely set; nostrils oval, medial; tail short, graduated, acute.Page 199SUB-FAMILY MERGANINÆ91.Mergus(Smew, Merganser, Goosander). Bill straight, slender, narrow, approaching to cylindrical; upper mandible hooked; edges of both mandibles armed with sharp teeth directed backwards; legs short, placed far backward.Page 201ORDER COLUMBÆ(Pigeons and Doves)Bill swollen at tip, convex; the upper mandible covered at the base with a soft membrane in which lie the nostrils, with a valve over them; tarsi covered fore and rear with hexagonal scales.The birds of this order have considerable powers of flight, and perch freely on trees or rocks. Their food consists principally of grain, seeds, and the leaves of herbaceous plants. The young are fed on a milky fluid secreted in the crop of the old birds.FAMILY COLUMBIDÆTail with twelve feathers; hind toe with the skin prominently expanded on the sides.92.Columba(Wood-pigeon, Stock-dove, Rock-dove). Bill moderate, straight at base, compressed, point deflected; tail nearly even; first primary much larger thansixth.Page 20393.Turtur(Turtle-dove). Bill rather slender, tip of upper mandible gently deflected, that of lower scarcely exhibiting the appearance of an angle; tail rather long, graduated.Page 209ORDER PTEROCLETESFAMILY PTEROCLIDÆ94.Syrrhaptes(Sandgrouse). Bill small, gradually decurved; nostrils basal, hidden; wings long, pointed, first primary largest; tail of sixteen feathers, cuneate, central pair long; tarsi short, strong; feathered to toes; three toes, all in front; hallux obsolete; soles rugose; claws broad and obtuse.Page 211ORDER GALLINÆBill short and stout; culmen arched, and overhanging the mandible.FAMILY TETRAONIDÆ95.Tetráo(Black Grouse, Capercaillie). Bill strong; eyebrows naked, adorned with scarlet papillæ; tarsi feathered, without spurs; front toes naked, with pectinated margins; hind toe larger than the nail.Page 21296.Lagópus(Red Grouse, Ptarmigan). Front toes feathered, nearly smooth at the margins; hind toe shorter than the nail; in other respects like the last.Page 215FAMILY PHASIANIDÆNostrils never hidden by feathers; toes never pectinated.97.Phasiánus(Pheasant). Cheeks naked, adorned with scarlet papillæ; tail very long, of eighteen feathers.Page 21998.Perdix(Partridge). Bill strong; orbits naked; tarsus naked, male with a knob on the tarsus behind; tail of sixteen feathers, short, bent down.Page 22299.Caccabis(Red-legged Partridge). Tail of fourteen feathers; tarsi armed with blunt spurs in male.Page 225100.Coturnix(Quail). Bill slender; orbits feathered; wings with the first primary longest; tail very short; almost concealed by the tail-coverts.Page 226ORDER FULICARIÆ(RAILS AND COOTS)FAMILY RALLIDÆ(Rails)101.Crex(Corn-crake). Bill shorter than the head, thick at the base, compressed, pointed; front toes entirely divided, not margined; second and third primaries longest. Tail pointed, rectrices narrow.Page 228102.Porzana(Spotted and Little Crakes). Bill shorter than head; wings shorter than in Crex; second quill longest; secondaries shorter than primaries by length of hind toe and claw.Page 229103.Rallus(Water-rail). Bill longer than head; wings moderate, third and fourth quills longest.Page 230104.Gallínula(Moor-hen). Bill shorter than the head, stout, straight, compressed; upper mandible expanding at the base and forming a disc on the forehead; toes entirely divided, bordered by a narrow entire membrane, middle toe longer than tarsus.Page 231105.Fúlica(Coot). Bill shorter than the head, straight, robust, convex above, much compressed; upper mandible dilated at the base, and forming a naked patch on the forehead; all the toes united at the base, and bordered by a scalloped membrane.Page 233ORDER ALECTORIDESAngle of the mandible always truncated, hind toe generally raised above level of others.FAMILY GRUIDÆNasal depression more than half as long as maxilla; rectrices twelve.106.Grus(Crane). Upper mandible deeply channelled; nostrils medial; wings moderate; third primary longest.Page 234
FAMILY ALAUDIDÆ(Larks)
Wings with nine or more visible primaries. Planta tarsi scutellate. Granivorous birds, frequenting open spaces, and singing during their flight; nesting on ground and seeking their food there by running; they are 'pulverators', i.e. they shake dust or sand into their feathers instead of bathing.
47.Alauda(Lark). Bill moderate, slightly compressed at edges; upper mandible more or less arched from middle. Nostrils basal, oval, covered by bristly feathers directed forward. Gape straight. Wings long; first primary short but unmistakably developed; second, third and fourth nearly equal, but third longest. Tail moderate, slightly forked. Tarsus longer than middle toe; claws slightly curved and moderate, except that of hind toe, which is generally elongate and nearly straight.
Page 119
48.Otócorys(Shore-lark). Bill rather short, subconic; upper mandible slightly arched. Head—in adult male—with tuft of long, erectile feathers on either side of occiput. Wings long; first primary so small as at first sight to seem wanting, second longest but third nearly its equal, fourth decidedly shorter, outer secondaries short and emarginate at tip. Tail rather long, slightly forked. Tarsus shorter than middle toe; claws moderate and very slightly curved, that of hind toe being comparatively straight.
Page 122
ORDER PICARIÆ
Opposed to the Passeres. The feet are relatively weaker and smaller.
FAMILY CYPSELIDÆ(Swifts)
Tail of ten feathers (swallows have twelve). Gape very wide.
49.Cýpselus(Swift). Bill very short, flattened horizontally, triangular; upper mandible curved downwards at the point; gape extending beyond the eyes; legs very short; toes all directed forwards; wings extremely long; first primary a little shorter than the second.
Page 123
FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDÆ(Goatsuckers)
The bill in this family resembles that of the Swallows, but is shorter and weaker; the gape is enormous and its sides are, for the most part, furnished with long and stiff bristles, which point forwards; the wings are long, and formed for powerful flight; the feet are small, and feathered to the toes; plumage soft and downy, and beautifully mottled with black, brown, grey, and white, varying in colour with the soil of their habitat; the claw of the middle toe is dilated on one side and toothed like a comb. Tail of ten feathers. Nocturnal birds, feeding on large insects, which they capture in their flight.
50.Caprimúlgus(Goatsucker or Nightjar). Bill very short, somewhat curved, broad and flattened at the base; upper mandible curved downwards at the tip; gape extending beyond the eyes, and armed with strong bristles; wings long; first primary shorter than the second, which is the longest.
Page 125
FAMILY PICIDÆ(Woodpeckers)
Feet short, but of unusual strength; the rigid toes diverge from a centre, two pointing forwards, and two backwards; claws large, much curved, and very hard and sharp; breast-bone shallow; flight weak and undulating.
SUB-FAMILY PICINÆ
Tail feathers stiff and pointed: nostrils covered with bristles.
51.Dendrocopus(Spotted Woodpeckers). Bill about as long as the head, robust, straight, irregular, compressed, pyramidal, laterally bevelled at the tip; tongue long and extensile, the tip barbed; nostrils basal, oval, concealed by reflected bristly feathers; wings with the first primary very short, fourth and fifth longest; tail-feathers graduated, stiff and pointed. Fourth toe much longer than third. Prevailing colours of the plumage black and white, or black and red.
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52.Gécinus(Green Woodpecker). Bill hard, broad at base, compressed at tip; upper mandible slightly arched, ending abruptly with shallow groove on each side running parallel to and near the culmen, and longer than lower mandible, which is pointed and has the gonys nearer the tip than the base and the tomia rounded. The fourth toe equal to the third. Prevailing colour greenish, otherwise much as in Dendrocopus.
Page 129
SUB-FAMILY IŸNGINÆ
Nostrils partly covered by a membrane. Nostrils partly covered by a membrane.
53.Iÿnx(Wryneck). Bill shorter than the head, straight, conical; tongue long and extensile; nostrils without bristles, partly closed by a membrane; wings with the second primary somewhat the longest; tail-feathers soft and flexible.
Page 131
FAMILY ALCEDINIDÆ(Kingfishers)
Bill long, stout, and pointed, with angular sides, not serrated; feet small and feeble, the outer and middle toes united to the last joint; wings rounded and hollow, ill adapted for protracted flight; form robust, with a large head and usually a short tail. Predatory birds, feeding on fish, insects, and even reptiles, birds, and small quadrupeds. Scattered over the world, but Australia and South America contain the greatest number of species.
54.Alcédo(Kingfisher). Bill long, straight, quadrangular, sharp; wings short with the third primary the longest; tail very short.
Page 132
FAMILY CORACIIDÆ(Rollers)
Bill corvine in shape; culmen rounded; nostrils near base of upper mandible and hidden by bristly feathers; tail feathers twelve.
54.Corácias(Roller). Bill compressed, straight, with cutting edges; upper mandible slightly hooked at the point; sides of the gape bristled; tarsus short; wings long; first primary a little shorter than the second, which is the longest.
Page 134
FAMILY MEROPIDÆ(Bee-eaters)
Bill long; culmen with sharply defined ridge; toes joined for part of length.
55.Mêrops(Bee-eater). Bill long, compressed, slightly curved, slender, with cutting edges, broad at the base; upper mandible keeled, the tip not hooked; tarsus very short; wings long, pointed, second primary the longest; centre tail feathers elongated.
Page 135
FAMILY UPUPIDÆ(Hoopoes)
56.Upupa(Hoopoe). Bill longer than the head, slender, slightly arched, compressed; feathers of the head long, forming a two-ranked crest; tail even at the extremity.
Page 136
FAMILY CUCULIDÆ(Cuckoos)
Bill moderate, rather deeply cleft, both mandibles compressed, and more or less curved downwards; nostrils exposed; wings for the most part short; tail of ten feathers lengthened; toes four, two pointing backwards and two forwards, but the outer hind toe of each foot is capable of being placed at right angles with either the inner or outer front toe. A tropical family of birds, many of which migrate to the temperate regions in summer. Not so decidedly climbers as the Woodpeckers and Creepers, yet having great power of clinging. Their flight is feeble, their food soft-bodied insects,varied in many cases with berries and other fruits, and some of the larger species will occasionally prey on mice, reptiles, and the eggs and young of birds. Most, perhaps all of the migratory species, lay their eggs in the nests of other birds.
57.Cúculus(Cuckoo). Bill shorter than the head, broad, depressed at the base, with the ridge curved and the sides compressed towards the tip, which is entire and acute; nostrils in a membranous groove, the opening rounded and exposed; wings pointed, third primary longest; tail long, graduated; tarsi very short, feathered below the heel.
Page 137
ORDER STRIGES(OWLS)
Head large, feathered; eyes large, dilated and projecting, each surrounded by a concave disc formed of stiff diverging feathers, concealing the cere and nostrils; ears large, and of elaborate construction; plumage lax and downy, adapted for slow and quiet flight; outer toe reversible; tibia more than double the length of tarsus. Food, small quadrupeds, birds, and insects.
FAMILY STRIGIDÆ
SUB-FAMILY STRIGINÆ
Bill somewhat elongated, bending at the tip only; head-tufts wanting nostrils oval, oblique; facial disc large and complete; ears large, covered by an operculum; wings long, the second primary longest; tarsi long, feathered to the toes, which are strangely furnished with hair-like feathers; claws long, the middle one serrated beneath.
58.Strix(White Owl). Characters given above.
Page 142
SUB-FAMILY SYRNIINÆ
Bill bending from the base; tufts more or less conspicuous or wanting; facial disc complete; ears large, covered by an operculum; legs feathered to the claws.
59.Asio(Eared Owls). Nostrils oval, oblique; tufts more or less elongated; wings long, second primary the longest.
Page 144
60.Syrnium(Tawny Owl). Nostrils round; egrets wanting; wings short and rounded; fourth primary longest.
Page 146
ORDER ACCIPITRES(EAGLES, HAWKS, ETC.)
Bill short, strong, stout at base, culmen strongly curved. Feet strong, armed with powerful talons which are capable of being bent under the feet, inner one stronger and more curved than others. Outer toe usually not reversible.
FAMILY FALCONIDÆ
Head covered with feathers, though sides of face are more or less bare.
SUB-FAMILY BUTEONINÆ
Bill rather small and weak, bending from the base; cutting edge of the upper mandible nearly straight, or but slightly festooned; cere large;nostrils oval; wings long; the first four feathers deeply notched on their inner webs; tail not forked. Hinder aspect of tarsus scutellate.
61.Circus(Harriers). Head surrounded by a circle of feathers; tarsi, long and slender, feathered a little below the joint; wings long third and fourth primaries the longest; tail long, somewhat rounded.
Page 147
62.Buteo(Buzzard). Lore without feathers; tarsi short and strong, naked or feathered; wings large, the fourth primary the longest.
Page 150
63.Pernis(Honey Buzzard). Lore with feathers; tarsi short and strong, naked or feathered; wings large, the fourth primary the longest.
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SUB-FAMILY AQUILINÆ
Bill stout, convex or slightly angular above, straight at the base, much hooked at the tip, commissure simply festooned; cere bristly; nostrils rounded or oval; wings long. Hinder aspect of tarsus reticulate.
64.Aquila(Eagles). Upper mandible with the cutting edge nearly straight; tarsi feathered to the toes; claws unequal, grooved beneath; wings with the fourth primary longest.
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65.Haliaëtus(Sea-eagle). Bill very long; edges of the upper mandible slightly prominent near the hook; tarsi half-feathered; claws unequal, grooved beneath; wings with the fourth primary longest; nostrils transverse, with bony margin all round.
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66.Pandíon(Osprey). Bill short, cutting edges of the upper mandible nearly straight; tarsi naked; outer toe reversible; claws equal, rounded beneath; wings with the second primary longest.
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SUB-FAMILY ACCIPITRINÆ
Long-legged Hawks
Bill short, strong, curved from the base; edge of the upper mandible with a prominent festoon beyond the middle; nostrils oval; wings rounded, short, reaching only to the middle of the tail; middle toe much the longest.
67.Accípiter(Sparrow-hawk). Tarsi long and slender; fourth and fifth primaries equal in length and the longest. Ridge of bill measured from margin of cere is less than half middle toe (without claw).
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SUB-FAMILY MILVINÆ
Bill of moderate length, slightly curved from the base, upper mandible with a slight festoon; nostrils oval, oblique; wings long; tail long and forked.
68.Milvus(Kites). Tarsi feathered a little below the knee; fourth primary the longest.
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SUB-FAMILY FALCONINÆ
Bill short, strong, curved from the base, upper mandible strongly toothed, lower notched; nostrils round; tarsi strong and short; hinder aspect reticulate; wings long and pointed, with the second primary longest, the first and third equal in length and having the inner web notched near the extremity.
69.Falco(Falcons, Merlin, Hobby and Kestrel). Characters given above.
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ORDER STEGANOPODES
Hind toe articulated on the inner surface of the tarsus, united to other toes by a web.
FAMILY PELECANIDÆ
Bill strong, edges of the mandibles minutely toothed; wings long; legs short; toes four, all connected by a membrane.
70.Phalacrócorax(Cormorant). Bill straight, longer than the head, compressed; upper mandible much hooked at the point; face and throat naked; inner edge of the middle claw serrated; tail rounded, rigid.
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71.Sula(Gannet). Bill straight, longer than the head, compressed, tapering to a point, which is but slightly curved; face and throat naked; inner edge of the middle claw serrated; tail graduated.
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ORDER HERODIONES
Hallux free, not united to other toes by a web.
FAMILY ARDEIDÆ(Herons)
Hind toe on same plane as others. Bill rounded or ridged; notched, with no hook at end. Outer toe with broad basal web, obsolete at base of inner toe; middle claw pectinated, loral space bare; powder down patches present.
72.Árdea(Herons). Edges of mandibles distinctly serrated; head crested; nape feathers elongated and ornamented; plumes of fore-neck not disintegrated; no dorsal train.
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73.Nyctícorax(Night Heron). Bill scarcely longer than the head, much compressed; neck rather thick and short; crest of three very long tapering feathers. In other respects resembling Árdea.
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74.Botaurus(Bittern). Bill scarcely longer than the head, much compressed; neck thick, clothed in front with long and loose feathers. In other respects resembling Ardea.
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FAMILY CICONIIDÆ(Storks)
Hind toe elevated above plane of others; no powder down patches; bill not hooked at tip.
75.Cicónia(Stork). Bill much longer than the head, stout, tapering to a point; nostrils near the base, pierced in the horny substance of the bill; tarsi very long; claws not pectinated; wings moderate, third, fourth, and fifth primaries longest.
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FAMILY PLATALEIDÆ(Spoonbills)
Bill flattened, narrow in middle, and widening out into a spoon-shaped end.
76.Plataléa(Spoonbill). Head partly bare, auricular orifice covered with plumes. Nostrils elongated and in a shallow depression.
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ORDER ANSERES
Tarsus about length of femur, reticulate at back and generally in front. Bill straight, always with distinct nail at tip of upper mandible. Young covered with down, and able to run or swim in a few hours after hatching.
FAMILY ANATIDÆ(Ducks, Geese, Swans, etc.)
Bill thick, broad, high at the base, covered with a thin membranous skin and ending in a nail-like horny tip; edges of the mandibles cut into thin parallel ridges, or toothed; wings moderate; legs placed not very far behind; feet, four-toed, palmated; hind toe free, placed high on the tarsus. Food, grass and aquatic weeds, worms, insects, molluscs, and small fish.
SUB-FAMILY ANSERINÆ
77.Anser(Geese). Bill nearly long as head, elevated and covered with cere or skin at base; conspicuous nail at tip; under mandible smaller than upper; nostrils lateral, near middle of bill; tail of sixteen feathers; legs under centre of body; hind toe free, articulated upon tarsus.
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78.Bernicla(Brent and Bernicle Geese). Bill shorter than head, higher than broad at base; culmen slightly convex, outline of lower mandible decidedly so, leaving elliptical space displaying lamellæ; nostrils sub-basal; neck feathers less furrowed than in Anser; tail short, rounded; tibia feathered to joint; hind toe short and elevated.
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79.Cygnus(Swans). Bill of equal length throughout, furnished with knob at base; nostrils medial; legs short; neck exceedingly long.
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SUB-FAMILY ANATIDÆ
Bill of equal width throughout, or broader at the top than at the base, of about the same width as the head; legs short, placed rather behind the middle of the body; hind toe without a pendent membrane; tarsi somewhat round.
80.Tadorna(Sheldrake). Bill with an elevated tubercle at the base, depressed in the middle; nostrils large, pervious; lower portion of tarsus in front with a row of transverse scutellæ.
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81.Anas(Mallard, Gadwall). Bill long as head, broad, depressed, sides parallel, sometimes partially dilated, both mandibles with transverse lamellæ on inner edges; nostrils small, oval, lateral, anterior to base of bill; wings rather long, pointed; tail wedge-shaped; legs rather short; hind toe without lobe. Sexes differ in plumage.
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82.Spatula(Shoveller). Bill much longer than head, widening towards end, lamellæ projecting conspicuously; no soft membrane on sides of bill towards tip; wing pointed, first and second quills longest; tail short, graduated; legs very short.
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83.Dafila(Pintail). Bill long as head, edges nearly parallel, widening a little to end, lamellæ not strongly defined; neck long, slender; tail sharply pointed, central rectrices considerably elongated in male; margin of web to anterior toes slightly emarginate.
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84.Querquédula(Teal). Bill long as head, lamellæ exposed along projecting edge of upper mandible; tail of sixteen feathers, short and rounded; hind toe very small, outer shorter than third, centre rather long; interdigital membrane emarginate.
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85.Maréca(Wigeon). Bill shorter than head, higher than broad at base, depressed and narrowed towards point; tail short, pointed; tibia bare for short distance; hind toe with very narrow lobe.
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SUB-FAMILY FULIGULINÆ
Hind toe with lobated membrane; tarsi compressed.
86.Fulígula(Pochard, Tufted Duck, Scaup). Bill not longer than head, slightly elevated at base, broader towards tip; edges of upper mandible enclosing edges of lower; nostrils near base.
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87.Clangúla(Goldeneye). Bill much shorter than head, depressed towards nail, which is elliptical and decurved at tip; lamellæ hidden; nostrils near middle of bill.
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88.Harelda(Long-tailed Duck). Bill much shorter than head, tapering rapidly to broad, decurved nail at tip. Lamellæ slightly exposed; nostrils sub-basal. Feathering at base of bill forming oblique line, advancing furthest forward on forehead. Wings rather short, pointed; scapulars elongate and lanceolate in adult male; tail short, graduated except for two central feathers, which are long and tapering in adult male.
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89.Somateria(Eider Duck). Bill swollen and elevated at base, extending up the forehead, there divided by angular projection of feathers; nostrils medial.
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90.Œdemia(Scoters). Bill short, broad, with an elevated knob at the base, the tip much flattened; nail large, flat, obtuse, slightly deflected; lamellæ coarse, widely set; nostrils oval, medial; tail short, graduated, acute.
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SUB-FAMILY MERGANINÆ
91.Mergus(Smew, Merganser, Goosander). Bill straight, slender, narrow, approaching to cylindrical; upper mandible hooked; edges of both mandibles armed with sharp teeth directed backwards; legs short, placed far backward.
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ORDER COLUMBÆ(Pigeons and Doves)
Bill swollen at tip, convex; the upper mandible covered at the base with a soft membrane in which lie the nostrils, with a valve over them; tarsi covered fore and rear with hexagonal scales.
The birds of this order have considerable powers of flight, and perch freely on trees or rocks. Their food consists principally of grain, seeds, and the leaves of herbaceous plants. The young are fed on a milky fluid secreted in the crop of the old birds.
FAMILY COLUMBIDÆ
Tail with twelve feathers; hind toe with the skin prominently expanded on the sides.
92.Columba(Wood-pigeon, Stock-dove, Rock-dove). Bill moderate, straight at base, compressed, point deflected; tail nearly even; first primary much larger thansixth.
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93.Turtur(Turtle-dove). Bill rather slender, tip of upper mandible gently deflected, that of lower scarcely exhibiting the appearance of an angle; tail rather long, graduated.
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ORDER PTEROCLETES
FAMILY PTEROCLIDÆ
94.Syrrhaptes(Sandgrouse). Bill small, gradually decurved; nostrils basal, hidden; wings long, pointed, first primary largest; tail of sixteen feathers, cuneate, central pair long; tarsi short, strong; feathered to toes; three toes, all in front; hallux obsolete; soles rugose; claws broad and obtuse.
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ORDER GALLINÆ
Bill short and stout; culmen arched, and overhanging the mandible.
FAMILY TETRAONIDÆ
95.Tetráo(Black Grouse, Capercaillie). Bill strong; eyebrows naked, adorned with scarlet papillæ; tarsi feathered, without spurs; front toes naked, with pectinated margins; hind toe larger than the nail.
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96.Lagópus(Red Grouse, Ptarmigan). Front toes feathered, nearly smooth at the margins; hind toe shorter than the nail; in other respects like the last.
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FAMILY PHASIANIDÆ
Nostrils never hidden by feathers; toes never pectinated.
97.Phasiánus(Pheasant). Cheeks naked, adorned with scarlet papillæ; tail very long, of eighteen feathers.
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98.Perdix(Partridge). Bill strong; orbits naked; tarsus naked, male with a knob on the tarsus behind; tail of sixteen feathers, short, bent down.
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99.Caccabis(Red-legged Partridge). Tail of fourteen feathers; tarsi armed with blunt spurs in male.
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100.Coturnix(Quail). Bill slender; orbits feathered; wings with the first primary longest; tail very short; almost concealed by the tail-coverts.
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ORDER FULICARIÆ(RAILS AND COOTS)
FAMILY RALLIDÆ(Rails)
101.Crex(Corn-crake). Bill shorter than the head, thick at the base, compressed, pointed; front toes entirely divided, not margined; second and third primaries longest. Tail pointed, rectrices narrow.
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102.Porzana(Spotted and Little Crakes). Bill shorter than head; wings shorter than in Crex; second quill longest; secondaries shorter than primaries by length of hind toe and claw.
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103.Rallus(Water-rail). Bill longer than head; wings moderate, third and fourth quills longest.
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104.Gallínula(Moor-hen). Bill shorter than the head, stout, straight, compressed; upper mandible expanding at the base and forming a disc on the forehead; toes entirely divided, bordered by a narrow entire membrane, middle toe longer than tarsus.
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105.Fúlica(Coot). Bill shorter than the head, straight, robust, convex above, much compressed; upper mandible dilated at the base, and forming a naked patch on the forehead; all the toes united at the base, and bordered by a scalloped membrane.
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ORDER ALECTORIDES
Angle of the mandible always truncated, hind toe generally raised above level of others.
FAMILY GRUIDÆ
Nasal depression more than half as long as maxilla; rectrices twelve.
106.Grus(Crane). Upper mandible deeply channelled; nostrils medial; wings moderate; third primary longest.
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