Page:Birdcraft-1897.djvu/85

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

SYNOPSIS OF BIRD FAMILIES.

Family Falconida: Hawks, Eagles, etc. Page 215.

8 Species.

Diurnal Birds of Prey, with mottled and streaked plumage, no horns or eye disks; of graceful build, and dashing, rapid flight. The family includes the Osprey and the American Eagle.

ORDER COLUMBA: PIGEONS.

Family Columbida: Doves and Pigeons. Page 225.

2 Species.

Wood Doves, with delicately-shaded, and often glossy plumage, small heads and full breasts, long, pointed wings, and soft, cooing voices. Often seen feeding on the ground like the domestic Pigeon.

ORDER GALLIN GALLINACEOUS BIRDS (Birds scratching on the ground like barnyard fowls).

Family Tetraonida: Grouse, Partridges. Page 227.

2 Species.

Comprising our two most familiar Game-birds, the Ruffed Grouse (Partridge) and the Quail, birds with mottled feathers of varied browns, the Partridge having feathered legs. The female rears the young, who leave the nest when hatched, following her as a brood, after the manner of chickens.

ORDER LIMICOL: SHORE-BIRDS (Waders).

Family Aphrizida: Turnstones. Page 231.

1 Species.

Small Shore birds (8 inches long) with pied plumage, seen turning over stones on rocky beaches, in search of marine insects, etc.

Family Charadriida: Plovers (Popular Game-birds). Page 232.

6 Species.

A large and important family of Shore-birds, frequenting both fresh and salt water. They have Pigeon-like bills