The Children's Book of Birds Part 37

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. s.e.xes slightly unlike. Found by water.

24. Cuculidae: 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. s.e.xes alike. Found on trees.

25. Bubonidae: 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.)

s.e.xes alike. Flesh eaters. Usually nocturnal. Most species found in holes in trees or old buildings.

26. Strigidae: 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. s.e.xes alike. Exclusively nocturnal.

Found in barns and deserted buildings.

27. Falconidae: 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. s.e.xes usually alike, but female larger.

28. Cathartidae: 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.