Part 55

Food: insects. Sexes nearly alike. One species found in the edge of woods, and another species about towns.

22. Picidæ: WOODPECKERS.

Larger than an English sparrow; bill usually straight, pointed or chisel-shaped at tip; tongue extensile and except in one species barbed at point; tail stiff and feathers pointed at tip for a prop; toes, except in three-toed species, two forward and two backward for climbing. (Ridgway.)

Insectivorous. Sexes unlike. Found on trees (except one species) in woods or orchards.

23. Alcedinidæ: KINGFISHERS.

Usually larger than a robin; bill long and straight; tongue small; head large, crested; wings short; legs small; outer and middle toe united half their length. (Ridgway.)

Food: fishes. Sexes slightly unlike. Found by water.

24. Cuculidæ: CUCKOOS.

Larger than a robin; bill narrow and high, rather long and curved downward; wings long; tail long, soft, and rounded; toes in pairs. (Ridgway.)

Insectivorous. Sexes alike. Found on trees.

25. Bubonidæ: OWLS.

Mostly larger than a robin, a few smaller; bill hooked; eyes directed forward and surrounded by radiating feathers; plumage soft and lax; feathers beside forehead often stand up like ear tufts; legs usually feathered; feet sometimes feathered. (Ridgway.)

Sexes alike. Flesh eaters. Usually nocturnal. Most species found in holes in trees or old buildings.

26. Strigidæ: BARN OWLS.

Much larger than a robin; bill hooked; eyes very small; triangular-shaped eye disk; tail emarginate; claws sharp and strong; very downy plumage. (Ridgway).

Food: mice and other small mammals. Sexes alike. Exclusively nocturnal. Found in barns and deserted buildings.

27. Falconidæ: HAWKS AND EAGLES.

(There are several subfamilies.)

Mostly very large birds; bill strongly hooked; eyes directed sideways; eyelids with lashes; toes never feathered. (Ridgway.)

Carnivorous and insectivorous. Sexes usually alike, but female larger.

28. Cathartidæ: AMERICAN VULTURES.

Large as a turkey, one species much larger; whole head and sometimes neck bare of feathers; eyes prominent; tail rounded. (Ridgway.)

Food: carrion. Found sailing about in the air.

INDEX

References to the FIRST BOOK are indicated by ~1~; those to the SECOND BOOK by ~2~.

Affections, ~1~, 78-82.

Air-sacs, ~1~, 92, 94.

Alaudidæ, ~2~, 131, 202.