Illustrations of the Birds of California, Texas, Oregon, British and Russian America

by John Cassin

II. FAMILY FALCONIDÆ. THE FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, KITES.

Head and neck usually covered with feathers, but in a few instances partially naked; bill, usually very strong, curved and very sharp; tarsi and toes, generally strong and muscular; claws, curved, sharp; wings, various, but usually large, and adapted to swift and vigorous flight. Size, very much varied, body generally very compact, and organized for strength and activity of habits, and for the destruction of living animals. Female larger than the male.

Inhabit all parts of the world, numerous in the temperate and torrid regions.