ANC y TNR = —" - Cth ‘ — Ke = : ‘ NG =" a. ‘ 4 5 “ ; , « AMS rn | ‘ e x . < | ¥ ’ \ . : a A hee \ 7 \ ' \ ~*~ ~ - = : Wi \~ Nt = , tt NS * ‘ ‘ . ) \ ~ ‘ C ; : S ni \ — 4 r : ; . ~ ne 2 , 4 = ‘ ; ~ : : et 1é - a ‘ fl . - ar yy ~— _— ~ pe ex > am \ Compe } = if! if EM “2 " Lee +\S » se ti ' ; th F ~. ~ aS De ont Ss as ™S = ® E oD < B ize oa \O as qi ( { tf Hi (3 f Wi * y | | | | ‘( 4 a a ‘ \ : fs “i zp { ah s. “S i f a rf \ er , e \ : ite ! & ‘ Nose * ee | nf : : : . - ss tLe. y ( ——— ae (f ‘“ v 7 “ AL ' " Ps - \ \ C <\ NS i . 5 4 jj ( . “4 ‘ \ ‘ a . / ‘ ( Of ) - rs fa. . ; i Beni Sg ( : ) c ae f / ’ i 4 d \ ~ = fo n ‘ ‘ ik ee S>: : (4 ( os Wes HX, OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM; OR, A SKETCH OF THE OSTEOLOGY OF BIRDS. \ BY ye er ae ne o at T. C. EYTON, ESQ, F.GS, FLS, And Corresponding Member of Institute of Philadelphia. TO BE HAD OF MR. PRINCE, AT MR. J. GOULD’S, CHARLOTTE STREET, BEDFORD SQUARE, LONDON. — ———S | PUBLISHED BY R. HOBSON, WELLINGTON, SALOP., | 1867. wigs ie lems ll Qe 647 69% [$07 yl if inp re PREFACE. THE Author of the following work does not by any means intend to present it to the public as a perfect work on the Osteology of Birds, but as a mere sketch on which other works or descriptions of birds may be founded. The information contained in it is much more extensive than has been published in any work on the subject before; and it is the Author’s intention to supply deficiencies, when he obtains any varieties to describe, and to figure any new species or better specimens, in the form of an Appendix. Until a larger collection of the skeletons of birds is got together, it is almost impossible to comprehend the characters of each Order, Family or Sub-Family, or genus. The characters derived from the head, sternum, pelvis, and leg-bones, are most reliable. A character of great value may also be derived from the numbering of the vertebrae and ribs; but although I have taken great pains to get the numbers as correct as possible, I am convinced myself that some mistakes will be found,—chiefly in the sacral vertebrae, which cannot be counted accurately without a section of the pelvis. The anterior short ribs are all counted as false; all those, whether they are articulated to the pelvis or no, so that they are connected with the sternum, are called true. It has been stated that birds do not differ so much in the skeletons as to make osteological characters of any use ; this, although in many instances I agree with the arrangements made from external character, is certainly not the case. Birds differ quite as much as mammalia or reptiles in their osteological characters ; but those characters are much more difficult to detect, in consequence of such general similarity of form. Measurements also give valuable characters. In this work the breadth of the sternum is taken at its widest part anterior to the ribs, and behind them; the length of the pelvis is taken from the anterior edge to the end of the os pubis, and the breadth at the widest part. The Plates illustrating this work have been executed in zincograph by Mr. Erxleben : and I beg here to thank him for the trouble he has taken over them. They have been printed by Messrs. Day & Co. (now, I believe, made a limited company), and, except some mistakes in the numbering, have been carefully executed. lV. As to making a natural system, or, I may say, a continuous system, in which one group shall run, as it were, into another, even at the present day, and including the fossil animals and birds, I believe to be impossible; but that at some future time links may be discovered, either fossil or recent, which may more nearly connect them than they are connected at present. THOS. C. EYTON. EYTON, January, 1867. BIBLIOGRAPHY. The Dodo and its Kindred, by H. E. Strickland and A. G. Melville, M.D. : contains several Plates explanatory of the Anatomy of the Dodo and its kindred. 1858. The Principal Forms of the Skeleton and Teeth as a Basis fora System of Natural History and Comparative Anatomy ; by Professor Owen. 1856. Comparative Anatomy of Birds, in Tod’s Dictionary of Comparative Anatomy, Parts 3 and 4; by Professor Owen. Memoire sur les Observations Communiques, par Mons. le Baron Cuvier, 4 Academie des Sciences. Seance du 2 Janvier, 1832, at suget des Sternums des Oiseaux. P. M. Geoffroy, St. Hilaire.—Annales des Sciences Naturelles. 1832. Osteografische Bertrige sur Naturgeschichte Bertrage, sur Naturgeschichte der vogel von Christian Ludwieg Nilzsch, Leipzig. 1811. Bertrige sur Kenntniss der Naturgeschichte der vogel met Besonderer Beziehung auf Skeletbun und Vergleschende Zoologie, von Dr. J. F. Brandt, St. Petersburg, 1839; with numerous Plates of Water Birds. On the Anatomy of the Concave Hornbill, Bucero cavatus; by Professor Owen.—Transactions of the Zoological Society, Vol. 1., po. 117. On the Anatomy of the Southern Apteryx Australis, by Professor Owen.—Transactions of the Zoological Society, Vol. 2, p. 257. Notice of a Fragment of a Femur of a gigantic Bird of New Zealand, by Professor Owen.— Zoological Transactions, Vol. 3, p. 29. On Dinornis, an extinct genus of Tridactyle Struthious Birds ; with Descriptions of portions of the Skeletons of Five Species; by Professor Owen.—Zoological Transactions, Vol. 3, p. 243. On the Anatomy of Apteryx Australis, Sh., (Myology,) by Professor Owen. —Zoological Transactions, Vol. 3, p. 227. On Dinornis, Part 2, containing Descriptions of a, portion of the Skull, the Sternum, and other parts of the Skeleton of the Species previously determined ; with Osteological Characters of three additional Species, and a new genus—Palypteryx; by Professor Owen.—Zoological Transactions, Vol. 3, p. 307. Observations on the Dodo (Didus ineptus, Zinn.), and an Appendix to the foregoing Memoir on Dinornis, by Professor Owen.— Zoological Transactions, Vol. 3, p. 331. On the Osteology of the Dodo, by Professor Owen.— Zoological Transactions, Vol. 6, p. 49. On Dinornis, Part 3, containing the Description of the Skull and Beak of that genus, and of the same characteristic parts of Palypteryx and two other genera of Birds (Notornis and Nestor), forming part of an extensive collection of ornithological remains discovered by Mr. Walter Mantell, at Waingongoro, North Island of New Zealand; by Professor Owen.— Zoological Transactions, Vol. 3, p. 345. On Dinornis, containing the Restoration of the Feet of that genus and of Palypteryx, and a Description of the Sternum in Palypterix and Aptornis ; by Professor Owen.—Zoological Transactions, Vol. 4, p. 1. . On Dinornis, containing a Description of the Skull and Beak of a large Species of Dinornis, of the Cranium of an immature Specimen of Dinornis giganteus, and of the Crania of Species of Palypteryx ; by Professor Owen.— Zoological Transactions, Vol. 4, p. 59. On Dinornis, containing a Description of the Bones of the Leg of Dinornis, Palypteryx Struthioides, and Dinornis Gracilis; by Professor Owen.— Zoological Transactions, Vol. 4, p. 141. On Dinornis, containing a Description of the Skeleton of Dinornis elephantopus; by Professor Owen.— Zoological Transactions, Vol. 4, p. 149. On Dinornis, containing a Description of the Skeleton of Dinornis elephantopus; by Professor Owen.—Zoological Transactions, Vol. 4, p. 159. na BIBLIOGRAPHY. On some additional Bones allied to the Dodo, in the Collection of the Zoological Society of London ; by H. E. Strickland, Esq.— Zoological Transactions, Vol. 4, p. 187. On the Osteology of Balceniceps rex, Gould ; by Mr. Kitchin Parker.—Zoological Transactions, Vol. 4, p. 269. On the Osteology of the Gallinaceous Birds, and Tinamous; by W. H. Parker.—Zoological Transactions, Vol. 5, p. 149. Description of the Skeleton of the Great Auk, or Garfowl (Alcea impennis, Z.); by Professor Owen.— Zoological Transactions, Vol. 5, p. 317. On Dinornis, containing a Description of the Skull, Atlas, Scapula, and Coracoid Bone of Dinornis robustus 3 by Professor Owen.— Zoological Transactions, Vol. 5, p. 337. Extract dun Memoire sur les Progress de Ossification dans le Sternum des Oiseaux, par M. le Baron Cuvier.—Annales des Sciences Naturelles. 1832. Extract des Recherches sur l’Anatomie et la Physiologie de la Corneille, par M. Emile Jacquemin.—Annales des Sciences Naturelles. 1834. Recherches Anatomiques sur quelques genres d’Oiseaux rares ou oncore peu connus sous le Rapport de Organisation profond sur le sasa Opisthocomus, Hoff. Sur les Kamichis, Palamedea, Zinn. Sur les Turnix Hemipodius, Zemm. Du rupicole, Piprarupicola. 1845. On Dinornis, containing the Description of part of the Skeleton of a flightless Bird, Indication of a new Genus and Species (Cnemiornis calcitrans, Owen); by Professor Owen.—Zoological Transactions, Vol. 5, p. 389. Recherches sur Apareil, Sternal des Oiseaux; par M. le Docteur F. J. Herminer. Paris: 1828. Contains numerous Drawings of the Sternal Apparatus of Birds. i Sternum de Huitrier. Voy. de la Bonete, Dis., Pl. 9. Animaux nouveaux ou rares ’ Amerique du sud, par Francis de Castelnan : contains the Skeleton and other separate bones of the Hoaxin, Opisthecomus cristatus, Tomel, Pl. 14; and that of the Kamichi, Palamedea cornuta, and the Sternum of Palamedea Derbiana, Pl. 15; also Cariama, Dicholophus cristatus, Pl. 6.; also Agami, Psophia crepitans, and the Sternum of Saracou, Cymbops cancrophaga, Pl. 17.—Annales de Sciences Naturelles, Vol. 20, Pl. 4. Bertrige sur Kenntniss des Cuculus canorus, Linn. Von.'D. F. M. Edouard, Opel, in Leipzig.—Journal fiir Ornithologie, Vol. 6, p. 285. Legons d’Anatomie, comparee de G. Cuvier. First Edition. Lecons d’Anatomie, comparee de Georges Cuvier. Second Edition. Paris: 1835. OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. INTRODUCTION. CHAPTER I. Birps, or the class Aves, observes Professor Owen*, “form the best characterized, most distinct and natural class in the whole animal kingdom—perhaps even in organic nature. ‘They present a constancy in their mode of generation and in their tegumentary covering which is not met with in any other of the vertebrate classes. No species of bird ever deviates like the cetacea among mammals, and the serpents among reptiles, and the eels among fishes, from the tetrapodous type of formation which so peculiarly characterizes the vertebrate division of animals.” | This constancy to a type renders the distinctive differences between the members of the class less dissimilar than those constituting the other classes of vertebrate animals; probably, also, it is from this cause that the osteology of birds has been so much neglected. This apparent similarity, however, is not so great as might be supposed by the casual observer of a collection of skeletons; and the deeper the study of them is proceeded with, the more distinct will appear the characters which distinguish the different groups. It is not my intention in the following pages to advocate any particular system of arrangement, let it be binary, tertiary, quinary, or called by any other name with which the fancy of its author may invest it. Not that I disbelieve that a system exists in * Cyclopedia of Anatomy and Physiology, edited by Dr. Todd, p. 265. i OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. nature, and that a representative one to a certain extent, if not altogether—or, in other words, that animals of one country have certain resemblances to those of another, and take a similar situation in the animal ceconomy of their different habitats, but modified to suit the peculiar circumstances under which they exist. I think, also, that a repre- sentative system may be carried still further than this—viz. that the groups of one class will to a certain extent represent those of another. Our present knowledge, however, is far too meagre for us to say with certainty this or that is the arrangement that will suit the whole creation, or, in other words, is the plan of the great Creator. I do not intend, therefore, to interfere with theoretical arrangements—they have done much good in tempting naturalists to search out affinities and analogies,—but merely to group those birds together which have a similarity of osteological organization. Affinity and analogy are two words which have had given to them very many extraordinary interpretations; but it is not my object to disturb them: whenever either word is used in this work, it will be under the definition given to them by Professor Owen in his Address to the British Association at Leeds*. It has long been a question whether animals found in a fossil state ought or ought not to be admitted into an arrangement with existing ones. My own impression is, that all animals are portions of one vast scheme of creation, and ought to be classed together; for, as we can seldom say with absolute certainty where a group ends and where it begins—let it be called class, family, subfamily, genus, or species, so nearly do they in many particulars resemble each other,—so also with the connexion between fossil and recent animals; we cannot say precisely where those which have been con- temporary with the present existing animals end and where they begin, or, in other words, where any break existed between the two. For that break to be distinctly marked, there- must have been a period in the world’s history, since the creation, in which no animal existed, and strata formed during it. In order to render this work intelligible to persons not previously acquainted with the subject, it will be necessary to point out the names given by anatomists to the different bones constituting the skeleton of Birds; these names refer to the representatives of those bones in Mammalia from which their names are taken. The following references to Plates I., II. and III. will show their position and names. ‘ The most difficult portion of the skeleton to understand is the head—the bones com- posing it becoming anchylosed together in a very early stage of the animal’s existence ; the remaining bones can be made out with comparative ease. On account of this early anchylosis of the bones of the head, it is necessary, in order to trace their boundaries, to employ that of a young bird; the drawings relating to the head, therefore, in Plates II. and III., are taken from that of a young Ostrich in my possession: the head of the Ostrich has been before employed in most anatomical works for the same purpose, on account of its size. * Professor Owen’s Address to the British Association at Leeds, p. 18. OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. il The numbers in Plate II. figs. 1, 2, 3, and in Plate ITI. figs. 1, 2, designate the same bone in each. In Plate L., which is that of an old Osprey, Haliaétus lewcocephalus, in consequence of anchylosis having taken place, the separate bones cannot be distinguished so distinctly as in the other Plates; the numbers, therefore, are only placed upon those bones which are pretty well defined and which are useful in description, with the exception of the palatine and other bones forming the roof of the mouth, which are not visible. ' Plate IV. represents the head of the Emeu, the Peregrine Falcon, and a Podargus, showing variations in the disposition of the cranial bones and the development of the interarticular bones. Bones of the Head. Puate II. figs. 1, 2, 3. Puarve III. figs. 1, 2. 1. Frontal bones. 15. Sphenoid bone. 2. Parietal bones. 16. Eustachian tubes. 3. Nasal bones. 17. Vomer. 4. Temporal bones. 18. Omoid bones on pterygoid portion of the 5. Os quadratum. sphenoid bone. 6. Intermaxillary bones. ~- 19. Fig. 3. Plate I. Palatine bones. 7. Ethmoid bone. 20. Superior maxillary bones. 8. Fig. 1. Plate ¥. Palatine bones. 21. Opercular portion of the inferior maxillary 9. Malar or zygomatic bones. bone. 10. Foramen magnum. 22. Condyloid portion of the inferior maxillary 11. Atlar tubercle. bone. ie a | povonemore shepoestital 23. Rami of the maxillary bone. 14. Condyloid J Bone. Bones of the Trunk and Extremities. Puate I. 1. Humerus. 9. Coracoid bones. 2. Ulna. 10. The two rami of the furculum. 3. Radius. 11. Scapula. 4. Carpus. 12. Glenoid cavity. 5. Metacarpus. 13. Femur. 6. 1st phalanx. 14. Tibiee. 7. 2nd, or terminal phalanx. 15. Fibulee. 8 . Thumb. 16. Metatarsus. - b 2 io IV OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. 17. Phalanges of the anterior toes, — 25. False ribs not joining the sternum. 18. Trochlea of the three bones of which the 26. Sternal ribs uniting the true ribs with the metatarsus is formed, to which the ante- sternum. rior phalanges are articulated. 27. Tlium, 19. Splint by which the hallux is articulated 28. Ischium, ; together forming the pelvis. with the metatarsus. 29. Os pubis, | 20. Phalanges of the hallux or hind toe. 30. Ischiadic foramen. 21. Tarsal bones anchylosed to the proximal 31. Obturator foramen. extremity of the metatarsus. 32. Cervical vertebree. 22. Sternum. 33. Dorsal ditto. 28. Keel of the sternum. 34. Sacral — ditto. 24, True ribs with their, posterior styliform 35. Caudal ditto. processes. Bones of the Head. Puate I. 1. Orbital septa. 4, Lacrymal bones. 2. Bony case of the brain, formed by the 5. Malar or zygomatic bone. parietal, frontal, and occipital bones an- 6. Nasal bones. chylosed together. 7. Upper maxillary bones. 3. Os quadratum. 8. Lower maxillary bones. In Puate IV. the numbers on the Crania show the same Bones in each. 1.1. Palatine bones. 4, 4, Lateral portions of the palatine bones. 2.2. Ossa quadrata. 5.5. Intermaxillary bones. 3.3. Interarticular bones. 6. Sphenoid bone. The head of Birds, as among Mammalia, forms the bony case for the brain, with an anterior portion forming the face and jaws. ‘The chief characters which can be derived from the head are the shape of the vertex or top, whether it is convex or flattened, and with or without a longitudinal depression in the centre: the shape of the maxillaries, which give form to the bill: the portion of the ethmoid forming the septa between the orbits, whether it is entire or not; this character, however, varies with age, the form of the lacrymal bones, and the direction in which their extremities point: the form of the occiput, if with a large crest, a modified one, or none at all, and if indented with a channel or not for the reception of the masseter muscles: the shape of the foramen magnum: the shape of the palatine bones, and the interarticular uniting them with the os quadratum, and whether any branch goes from them to the sphenoid, or what portion of the roof of the mouth is cased with the intermaxillary bones. In the bones of the trunk the greatest modifications occur, particularly in the sternum ; OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. Vv some of these, however, are not to be absolutely relied upon, namely the characters derivable from the fissures and foramina at the posterior margin. I have many skeletons in which the two sides do not correspond. ‘The order Raptores seems particularly liable to this variation; and I have also an Alcedo which has a foramen on one side and a fissure on the opposite one. The form of the keel, and whether it is produced anteriorly or not, forms a valuable character. The characters found in the bones of the pelvis are very well marked; they depend chiefly upon the proportion between the breadth and length, the size and shape of the obturator and ischiadic foramina, the relative position of the ilium and ischium, and whether the former is expanded anteriorly or not. The ribs vary much in their form, breadth, and strength, and in the length of the posterior styliform process. The bones of the anterior extremity are composed of the scapula, coracoid, furculum, and wing bones; they vary much: the former is much flattened or rounded, straight or much deflexed; the coracoids are long or short, strong, weak, or are pierced with an axillary foramen; the furculum is sometimes found much arched forwards, at others nearly straight—sometimes reaching as far as the point of the keel and anchylosed to it, in other birds not reaching it, and in some altogether wanting. The wing bones are very remarkable in some of the water birds (Spheniscus), forming a sort of fin, and furnish good characters in the proportionate length of one to the other. The bones of the posterior extremity vary very much in their strength, length, and relative proportions one to the other. Very valuable characters are also derivable from the metatarsus: whether the component parts of it, named by Professor Owen the ectometatarsal, mesometatarsal, and entometatarsal, are perfectly anchylosed together, or for what portion of their length they are so; and also in the position of the trochlea for the articulation of the phalanges forming the feet. In the phalanges themselves no very distinct character is observable, except in the terminal ones, the character of which can be equally well observed externally in their horny covering or claw. The vertebral column, although substantially following the same type, is subject to considerable variation, besides that which is derived from the numbers of the vertebree of the different regions; and in one instance (Spheniscus) some of them have a ball and socket articulation. v1 OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. CHAPTER IL. Tue following arrangement of Birds was proposed by me, with some modifications, at the Leeds Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science; it is founded almost entirely on osteological characters, which it is the object of this work to illustrate, without any bias towards any preconceived theory; and should I at any time, in the acquisition of new materials, see reason for its alteration, I shall make the necessary changes with the greatest pleasure. I have endeavoured to divide the Class into Orders in such a manner that distinct osteological characters shall be observable between them, which it would be useless to mention here, as they will be treated of in detail hereafter; it will be instructive, however, to examine how far the general habit of each Order agrees with the following arrangement :— CLASS IL AVES. Orper I. RAPTORES. Fam. 1. VuLturiIp&. Fam. 2. FALCONID&. Fam. 3. StRicgipéA. Orper IT. VOLITORES. Fam. 1. TrocHiILip2. Fam. 2. CyPsELip#. Orver III. OMNIVORES. Fam. 1. CapRIMULGID&. Fam. 8. ALCEDINIDA. Fam. 2. TrRoGonipz. Fam. 4. Bucrrip2Z. Orper LV. PREHENSORES. Fam. 1. Psirracip2. Fam. 2. RHAMPHASTIDA. Orper V. SCANSORES. Fam. 1. Picipa. Orprer VI. ERUCIVORES. Fam. 1. CucuLipa. Fam. 2. MusopHacip&. OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. vil Orpver VII. INSESSORES. Fam. 1. Menurip”. Fam. 9. AMPELID”. Fam. 2. CertTHiapa, Fam. 10. Laniip. Fam. 8. MELiiepHacipa. Fam. 11. Turpip#. Fam. 4. Parip#. Fam. 12. OrErouipé. Fam. 5. ALAUDID. Fam. 13. Srernipz. Fam. 6. Moraciniipa. Fam. 14. FRrRine1Luipa. Fam. 7. SyLviap@. Fam. 15. TanaGrip”. Fam. 8. Muscicarips. Fam. 16. Corvip™. Orprer VIII. BIPOSITORES. Fam. 1. CoLumBID&. Fam. 2. Dipipa. OrpEerR IX. RASORES. Fam. 1. Tretraonipa@. Fam. 2. PHASIANIDA. OrpER X. CURSORES. Fam. 1. StrRuTHIONIDA. Orper XI. LITTORES. Fam. 1. Oripa. Fam. 3. ScoLopacipa. Fam. 2. CHARADRIID. Fam. 4. Trine. Orper XII. GRALLATORES. Fam. 1. ArprIpz. Fam. 2. Rauuipa. Orper XIII. NATATORES. Fam. 1. Anatip«. Fam. 3. ALcipa@. Fam. 2. CoLtyMBip2. Fam. 4. PELECANIDR. Fam. 5. Laripz. The principal modes in which birds obtain their food are the following :— By the power of flight in direct chase; By the power of approaching their food unobserved ; By the power of climbing ; By the power of scratching and sheapataes!) By the power of wading ; and By the power of swimming and diving. viil OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. If divisions of birds are made strictly according to the above qualities, we shall find many that do not come up to the greatest perfection of development of each particular power, but are endowed with a modification of it, or with an admixture of two or more of them, and some cases in which the divisions above mentioned are scarcely recognizable in consequence of this admixture. It is in these cases that anatomy comes to our assistance, and helps us to group and point out the orders and families that are allied. The first three orders belong eminently to the first group, or those which are endowed with great power of flight, with a modification among the Owls and Goat-suckers, the softness of the feathers enabling them to approach their prey unawares. ‘The Owls also and the whole of Omnivores have the sense of hearing highly developed in addition, as it is the habit of many of them to sit perched upon some tree or stone until prey approaches, when they give chase; their acute sense of hearing, therefore, assists them materially in detecting its approach. The second order, Volitores, has quickness of flight in the greatest degree of deve- lopment known among birds, and consequently has a corresponding arrangement of wing differing from other birds. The food of the Humming-bird is msects, obtained in two ways—by the insertion of the tongue into flowers, and also by direct chase. The orders Prehensores, Scansores, and Erucivores have their feet adapted chiefly for climbing. The first, or Parrots, are an exceedingly curious group, and use the bill for climbing equally with the feet; the latter are also used for the purpose of holding their food while in the act of devouring it. The highest powers of true climbing, where the feet only are used, we find among the Scansores or Woodpeckers, which are able to run along the perpendicular and horizontal boughs of trees with the greatest facility. Many of the Erucivores have the toes placed in pairs, two before and two behind ; but, except in this structure, they do not agree in any particular with the other climbers. One group among them, the Turacoes, are without this structure. Many of them feed much on the ground, and have an elongated hind toe. The power of climbing is doubtless useful to them in searching for their food, which consists principally of caterpillars and insects. The Insessores or Perchers appear to have been hitherto a sort of refuge for the destitute, as almost all birds were placed in it for which no convenient place could be found; as constituted, however, in the present arrangement, the only deviation that I am aware of from the general type of skeleton is in one family, the Menuridee, in which case I have followed the example of my predecessors and placed it in Insessores, because I do not know where else to put it. The next three families, Certhiade, Melliphagide, and Paride, have a decided scansorial tendency, but very much modified, the toes being placed three in front and one behind; but although their powers in this particular are quite equal to that of the Woodpeckers, there is nothing in the skeleton which differs from the Insessorial type. OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. 1x All the other families of Insessores are more or less perching birds, which may be defined as a power of climbing very slightly developed. Two groups, the Motacillide and Anthide, have the lengthened hind claw common in many groups of ground-feeding birds; we find in them, therefore, a power of scratching and running joined to that of climbing; and amongst the Hirundinide or Swallows, a considerable power of flight joined to that of perching. The eighth order, Bipositores, are a group well defined, having a large crop, of which all the families previously mentioned are destitute. In them we find a great power of wing, a certain degree of migratory habit, and feet in general much better adapted for perching than for scratching; thus the farmer often says that he does not mind the Pigeons on his new-sown wheat, as they do not scratch, merely taking that which is on the surface. There are, however, a few exceptions, as the Crowned Pigeons, which have feet fitted for running and perching, the metatarsi being much lengthened. Dr. Melville has discovered a peculiar structure in this part, which distinguishes the Pigeons from other orders, and unites the extinct family of Dodos with them. Generally the Pigeons only lay two eggs, whence the name I have given to them. The Rasores I have divided into two groups, the Tetraonide and Phasianide, although there is no very distinct line of demarcation between them. The typical species present a very great difference in external form, even if it is merely in the development of the tail—tor instance, between the Partridge and Peacock. Both are gifted with great running and scratching powers, but without any great powers of flight ; consequently none of them, that I am aware of, are migratory. The typical species of the former roost on the ground, seldom perching in trees, while the latter almost invariably do so. They both have a moderate-sized crop; but it is not nearly so highly developed as among the Pigeons. The Cursores are adapted solely for terrestrial life, and have no power of flight; con- sequently we find the greatest development in that of running, the rudimentary wings being employed as a sort of oars to assist in their progression ; they may be considered as the types of running structure among birds. The eleventh order, Littores, have great power of running, but not nearly so much as in Cursores, which might be expected when the power of flight is largely developed also; for, throughout the animal kingdom, one power is never found largely developed except at the expense of another. Their legs also are fitted for wading in shallow water, the tibize not being feathered down to the metatarsus. The twelfth order, Grallatores or Waders, have a very great length of leg, the tibiz much denuded, and a formation of the joint between the tibia and metatarsus so contrived that they can stand for hours together without muscular action (Ardeide) ; and in the following family (Rallide) we find the fitness for wading diminished, and a development of a power of swimming. The powers of the next order are at once well defined by the name Natatores, or swimming birds; and the whole of the members of it have either webbed or lobated c x OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. feet; some few birds, however, are found, in the first family, Anatide, which feed upon land, chiefly on the seeds of grasses, having the webs not extending much more than half the length of the toes, or with the anterior edge much scolloped out. The Colymbide and Alcide may be considered as possessing the greatest powers of swimming and diving. In one genus (Spheniscus), the wings, instead of being useful for flight, are converted into a sort of fin, the bones composing the wing being much flattened ; the hinder extremities are very muscular; and the legs are placed far back- wards. In some of the Pelecanide and Laride we find great power of wing developed at the expense of the diving powers, which are limited and governed by that of the wing. Their mode of taking prey is by soaring high into the air, closing the wings, and making a hawk-like swoop upon fish near the surface. Order I. RAPTORES. Fam. 1. FALCONIDA. Subfam. 1. FALCONINE. Fauco, Linn. Peregrinus, Linn. Type of Raptores, Falconide, Falconine. Cranium of moderate size; the bones composing it strong, depressed, and flattened from the base of the nasal bones to the vertex, and with a slight longitudinal channel ; occipital ridge well defined; occipital protuberance very large; a transverse, somewhat arcuated depression extending across the base of the nasal bones. Lacrymals largely developed, long, bounding nearly the whole of the upper edge of the orbits. Orbital septa nearly perfect in old specimens. Foramen magnum large, nearly circular, and placed almost horizontally; nasal orifices round, with their margin entire. Upper maxillaries hooked at the point, and with a distinct notch, covering only a small portion of the roof of the mouth. Palatine bones extending far backwards, anteriorly for two-thirds of their length consisting of a long, horizontally flattened strip of bone, articulated together for their posterior third; a large, strongly deflected flap in the centre arising near their middle in length, laterally much expanded, and rounded on their posterior lateral termination. Interarticular bones flattened, and slightly twisted on their axis. Atlar tubercle small, slightly transversely oval; condyloid processes of the occipital bone very slightly developed. | Sternum very convex, broadest posteriorly; ridges to which the small pectoral muscles are attached strongly marked; posterior margin perforated with two foramina. Manubrial process well developed, turned upwards perpendicularly, flattened at the tip. Keel extending to the posterior edge of the sternum ; its inferior edge slightly rounded ; point prominent, produced as far as the manubrial process; anterior edge only slightly curved inwards. | Pelvis very strong; the outline of the sacral vertebra not traceable on its upper surface except by some small foramina placed irregularly; a very slight cavity on its dorsal aspect between the two sides of the ilium; more than double the width of its anterior diameter posteriorly. Ilium extending far over the ischium and os pubis laterally ; the posterior points of the ischium diverging. Os pubis not extending forwards beyond the centre of the cotyloid cavity. Ischiadic foramen very large; obturator small. ftibs narrow, thick ; styliform process long, the point directed very much upwards. VOL. I. B FALcoNnID&. | OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [FALconInz. Furculum very strong, much arched forwards, the rami flattened laterally and broad, with only a very slight tubercle at its ligamentous junction with the sternum. Coracoids of moderate length, very strong, much expanded at their articulation with the sternum, much hollowed out on the inside below their junction with the scapula, and with a strong osseous strap confining the pectoral tendons. Scapula strong, very slightly deflected, rounded on its outward side for its anterior half, becoming flattened and expanded towards the tip, which is sloped to a point from each margin. Wing strong; posterior metacarpal bone flattened, broadest at its proximal extremity, not arched, but with a large space between it and the anterior metacarpal. Femur not much shorter than the tibia; trochanters not very largely developed. Tibia rounded, with a slight ridge on its internal surface, and becoming slightly triangular at its upper extremity. Metatarsus very strong and short, the division between the three bones forming it marked by two intermediate foramina at their proximal extremity; calcaneal process highly developed, from which a strong keel is carried downwards on the back of the mesometatarsal bone, gradually becoming obliterated at its distal extremity; anterior side much flattened and slightly excavated at its proximal end; a well-marked knob on the inner side, where the sheath confining the extensor muscles of the toes has its origin ; central trochlea very prominent, the lateral ones bent backwards. Vertebral column very strong; the lateral processes of the penultimate and next four cervical vertebre strongly developed; the dorsal spine of the atlas long, and with a transverse keel extending on each side from it to the lateral margins; the second vertebra also with a slight dorsal spine; from the third to the ninth without any dorsal spine; the tenth and eleventh with a flattened dorsal spine pointing forwards. Terminal caudal vertebre very large, and highly developed perpendicularly. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length ofhumerus . . . . . . 28 | Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 20 Una... . « «oe a 2 « «32 | Breadth of anterior margm.of sternum To Metacampus. 6 7 = we 2% = oe l) Wbengthvor pelvis Ss oes ea 27 Bem Pete et ke 4 eee Greatest breadth... «++ 4 4 = ake Mba. 3S wk we. Ga ee OUD |) deenebimotmieads Ca cs meee Memes Netitarens 2) 2. 20 ley ee oe By ew) Greatest breadth. . .. . . . 48 Leneth of siermum =~ 4. «= © 2) Illustrations. Skeleton of Falco peregrinus, Plate III. A. Coracoids, scapula, and furculum, Plate VII. A. Metatarsus, Plate II. A. fig. 3. fig. 2. Palatine bones, Plate VI. A. fig. 5. Base of the cranium, Plate IV. fig. 3. Pelvis, Plate V. A. fig. 4. 2 FALCONID&. | OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [ FALCONINA. Fatco, Linn. Gyrfalco, Linn. I have only the sternum of this bird, which does not differ from that of Falco pere- grinus except in size, and in the keel being deeper in proportion to the breadth of the sternum. - Since the above was written, I have obtained, from a skin, the head, wing, and leg bones of this bird, and find them also not distinguishable from those of F. peregrinus except in size and proportions. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length of humerus . . . . . . 44 | Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 22 Length ofulma . . . . . . . 50 | Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 17 ieneth of metacarpus . . . . . 28 | Depth of keel. ay sos. rvey . « TD enethroftemiure. =. 5. . n. Weemetieomitendss iy oe) an le LOU enetntommbiag@: = we 2 7 . 44. J =breadthot Read. 6. % .° 2 « 2 Length of metatarsus . . . . . 26.| Length of pelvis . Length of sternum . .. . . . 3805 | Breadth of pelvis . Fatco, Linn. Aurantius, Lath. The skeleton of this bird does not differ, except in measurements, from F. peregrinus ; the sternum is somewhat longer in proportion to its width. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length of humerus. . . . . . 164 | Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 9 Length ofulma . . . . . . . 19 | Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 7 keneth of metacarpus. . . .. + It Depthiotelkeels Fo 4 we we | =... «» 4, 4b Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 17 Tenetiramuliaes 2. 02 ee oe 4S Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 14 Hfeoepeon radius) We Ya ek ee 2G. Weptheok keel ak 4) a ae Oe Length of metacarpus. . . . . 24 Heenethvotheddie 0 ee a) engrheomicmur Se 7 sas py e232. | Breadth ot head) < .-. un m 17 Lenetholtibia... : . . » » . 40 engtheetipelyis © 2 . & = 30) Length of metatarsus . . . . . 30 Ibreadtheompelvis, 2 . « » . «| wo Lenethaokstermum . 2 2 2 . . 26 ! Lliustrations. Sternum, Plate IIT. fig. 4. | Metatarsus, Plate IT. fig. 4. Circus, Lacép. AEruginosus, Linn. I have the sternum only of this bird, which does not differ in form from that of Circus cyaneus, except in being destitute of foramina on its posterior margin. Subfam. 3. Minvinz. Mitvvs, Cuv. Regalis, Linn. Type of Milvine. Cranium similar to that of Falco peregrinus, but not so strong, and longer in pro- 7 FAaLconip&. | OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [ MILvinz. portion to its width; the space between the upper margins of the orbits much less. — Lacrymals wanting. One large orbital foramen in the centre of the septum, and two smaller ones posterior to it. Foramen magnum rounded above, but with the lower side nearly straight. Atlar tubercle oval. Palatine bones of similar shape to those in Falco, but rather broader. Nasal orifices triangular, with the angles rounded. Sternum convex, with two small foramina on the posterior margin; small pectoral muscle impression very distinct; keel more arched on its inferior edge than in Valco, receding anteriorly, and not prolonged to the posterior margin of the sternum. Pelvis much broader anteriorly in proportion to its posterior diameter than in Falco. ibs similar to Falco, but not so strong. Metatarsus with the calcaneal process well developed, but without any elevated rib proceeding downwards from it. The entometatarsal flattened, broad, forming a keel on its inner edge. Remaining bones very similar in form to Malco, except in proportional measurements. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length of humerus . . . . . . 48 | Breadthof posterior margin of sternum 17 Length ofulma . . . . . . . 57 | Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 16 Menetaeot radius”. 6 4) coe. “Od | Wepritol keel © aug seme cmreroey Length of metacarpus . . . . . 27 | Lengthofhead. . . ... . 31g isenothortomur, & £ -2 fF} 27 | Breadth otiead. 9 4 ale pmeey Igenethiof tibia. . 405 5. 7. 2 84-4 Tength of pels. ra G8 Length of metatarsus < .°. ._. 20 | Breadthofpelvis . .. .. , 6 Length of stemum - ... . .. + 30 Illustration. Sternum, Plate ITI. fig. 7. ELANus, Sav. Melanopterus, Daud. Some fragments obtained from a skin and a body in the British Museum are all I have seen of the bones of this bird. The cranium is similar in shape to MZilvws, but with the palatine bones broader and the exterior hinder angles more rounded. Metatarsus similar in shape. ‘The sternum short; the keel not reaching to the posterior margin, which is perforated by two small foramina, and slightly excavated in the centre; the inferior edge of the keel but slightly arched. Furculum much arched for its anterior third, then nearly straight to the sternum. 8 FALCONID&. | OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [ BuTEoNINA. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. hensthot humerus os Pe hf Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 12 eneth- ot ulna «se ie A) Sail Me Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 11 beneth: of raditisy. o. ©) Nh 4 Wepiivotekecle: -5 Hy Wyte TABS heneth of metacarpus ». 4%) ~*~ Meng of liead .. «2 MOTT Se Io aepene Reneth-ofiemmern s, «, . a read theot heads aa yar tae 10.1! Liew ihen@eneoleubias A (ned \ ene Thies pelvis! HAM Wie, 10,0) De RG Length of metatarsus . . . . : Breadth of pelvis ~2 4. « =» 4» + “AO Kengthtof stermum <~*. 2 i. 5 6 Subfam. 4. BuTEoNIN». Butero, Cuv. Vulgaris, Bechst. Type of Buteonine. Sternum as described in Archibuteo, except in size. Metatarsi very similar to Circus, but with the calcaneal process and the keel proceeding downwards from it highly developed, and the fibula extending downwards for two-thirds the length of the tibia. Palatine bones very similar to Circaétos, but more rounded on their outer posterior margins. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length ofhumerus . . . . .°. 30 | Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 17 Length ofulna . .. . . . . 384 | Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 12 Peongewormetacanpus 2 F - . WL Depth ordkeel. . ¢ ..« 4 sin ~~ 8 Hens he orremUimew ye sa fe oe oo | Mhenstiyoi head: Gig ce ar eneth of tibia 7s. =. se oy 200 4 eneth ofipelyise fee 8 ee sie em ces) icneth obmetatarus <7 = —. c= 0S eRreadth ot pelvis; 2o ee ess Length of sternum < . - . . = “o0 Illustrations. Palatine bones, Plate VI. fig. 6. | Sternum, Plate I. fig. 1. AQUILA, Mehr. Neevia, Gm. Lacrymal bones very broad and long, extending half-way over the orbits, rounded at their extremities. Palatine bones damaged. Sternum with a small foramen on each side; in other respects similar to Aguela chrysaétos. Illustration. Sternum, Plate IIT. fig. 14. AquiLa, Mehr. Imperialis, Bechst. The body of this bird is in the British Museum; it does not appear to differ from A. chrysaétos. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. ikenethvor-humetus o4 4% ees Length of femur . enothiotalna heavy us alee A Length of tibia Leneth ofwadiis™.< - us see ly ok Length of metatarsus Length of metacarpus . . . . . Length of stemum . .... . 48 12 FALCONID. | OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [ AQUILINA. Measurements (continued). Tenths. Tenths. Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 25 | Breadth of head . oa, Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 24 | Length of pelvis . . . . . . . 46 Wepivol ec wm wreeeg oy WOn ie breadth Of Pelvis... eo Length of head Aguita, Mehr. Bonelli, Zemm. A fragment only of this bird isin the British Museum. The sternum has two foramina on the posterior margin, which is slightly excavated in the centre; the keel does not reach the hinder margin of the sternum. Aquina, Mehr. - Audax, Lath. The head and leg bones were obtained from a skin, and are precisely similar to those of the Golden Eagle, but smaller, and not so powerful. Panpion, Sav. Haliaétus, Linn. Craniwm broader in proportion to its length than in Aguila. Lacrymal bones large and broad, tapering towards their points, which are rounded. Palatine bones wanting. Sternum similar to Aguila, except in dimensions and in having the keel receding more, with the point somewhat bifid anteriorly. The coracoids similar to Aguila, but with the axillary foramen very small. Furculum without any process at the junction of the rami. Scapula similar, but not so much expanded. The whole skeleton weaker. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. iveneth of humeris.« 0 3. . . . 13 Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 214 ensth of ulnaee Oe. sO Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 21 Wensthorradus 9.8. * S74 Bepunrotusecly™ 0% 2 oy +-% «= 8 Length of metacarpus... . . . 312)|%engthofhead. . . . . . . 42 Meneth. of temiunh ras.) StI 3 Breadth omheak! ari.vieielet, . 252 tenet chtibiaewee 2) AG Kenetheot pelvis <~ + 5 = 43% 39 _ Length of metatarsus . . . . . 353 | Breadth ofpelvis . . . . . . 19 Length of sternum. . .. . . 386 Llustrations. Pelvis, Plate V. fig. 5. | Sternum, Plate III. fig. 9. 13 FALCONIDA. | OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [ AQUILINA. Haiaitvs, Sav. Albicilla, Linn. Cranium scarcely distinguishable from that of Aquila; the whole head, however, is larger and stronger, and the foramen magnum more square. ‘The sternum is much longer in proportion to its width than in Aquéla, but in other respects similar. Pelvis precisely similar, except in size, the present one being the largest. In the remaining bones I cannot perceive any difference in structure between Haliaétus albicilla and Pandion Haliaétus, except in the proportional measurements. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length ofhumerus . . . . . . 85 | Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 25 Length ofulna . . . . « . . 97 | Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 27 wens heotmmetacampus ce 2 6.9 4590) WDepthtoricecl™ ~ 2 (ee eee iseneth otfemur =. = =. . . ; 49.1) Meneth-ofthead. <<" .” Ae iAy heneth Of tibia“... : 2° = 95 = (65°77) Breadth*omhedd”.. jet: ahh 0S 20 Length of metatarsus . . . . . 40 | Lengthofpelvis. ... =. .. 582 Igeneth Ofstemum. . = . ~ ¢.0.) #00; J) Breadth ofpelvis 2-15) lean lied baa Illustration. Pelvis, Plate II. fig. 2. Hauiaitus, Sav. Leucocephalus, Linn. Not differing in structure from the last. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length of humerus . . . . . . 83 | Lengthofstemum .... . « 62 Length ofulna . . . . . . . 97 | Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 29 Length ofradius. . . . . . . 91 | Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 28 Length of metacarpus . . . . . 41 | Lengthofhead . . . . . . . 99 Length of femur. . . . . . . 46 | Breadthofhead. . ..... 27 Fengthof tina ©... 3): on | Length ofpelyis- yon i 0G Length of metatarsus . . . . . 34 | Breadthofpelvis. . . . . . . 24 Illustrations. Metatarsus, Plate IT. fig. 1. | Skeleton in Plate I. Hawiaitus, Sav. Leucogaster, Gm. The bones were obtained from askin: the whole of the top of the head very much fiat- tened, more so than in aldicilla; the other bones are precisely similar in form, but weaker. 14 FALCONIDS. | OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [AQUILINA. Hauiaiitus, Sav. Macei, Temm. Sunilar to Haliaétus leucocephalus, but with a foramen on each side of the posterior margin of the sternum. In the British Museum. Hauiastur, Selby. Indus, Bodd. Similar to the other Sea Eagles, except in measurements, and in having two foramina on the posterior margin of the sternum. In the British Museum. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length of humerus . . . . . . 42 | Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 14 Length ofulma . . . . . . . 49 | Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 13 Hemet wOiradiuse, 6) 9% : 4. W428 | Depth of keel yn c.ap nae = 16 enepmeormetacanpus 4 =. . 22 |. Jkenethi of head ..° s,s. « ©... 28 Penetioieeinutoen ee eon), Breadthiofheard. .- 4, «2 sa. WO jpEeneritotiibin. @) 9, — «. ta -.--.. "o2) | henethof pelvis... 9... <2 = «25 onethpotemetatarsus: > 2 +» ..\20.\ Dyeadthiompelvis. ..+..9) . . 2 Weneeworstermume . -. <9 . fs 2 22 Illustration. Sternum, Plate ITI. fig. 13. Cuncuma, G. &. Gray. Leucogaster, Gm. Similar to Halkaétus, but without any foramina on the posterior margin of the sternum. In the British Museum. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Henstivot humerisig, <9 . 5). . Fo Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 23 Wemecrhwomemiig == oe Pn nw OO Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 224 Mensthsonmetacatpus = . ... . 40 | Depthotkeel “9.7... . *. EE Nensthtordemar Je. ee Wensth of head t- . 5 a * . = 4 Vensriroripia geal 2s t= 459 iipxeddtiheof head « “." . ©. 2 ei eee Qt Leneth of metatarsus, 4! 9 'y >. ©. 38 Penotheotspelvice 5 Mt wey PAT: Meneth of stermumy 2. 8s Ae AM? eae readthi of pelviss 2° to. 7 8 Bet Icutnyaitus, Lafres. Bicolor, G. &. Gray. Similar to the other Fishing Eagles, but with the sternum very long and narrow ; FALCONID. | the posterior margin indented by two small foramina. British Museum. OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [AQuitina. The bones of the body are in the Measurements. Tenths. Length of humerus . Length of ulna Length of radius . Length of metacarpus Length of femur . Length of tibia’ Length of metatarsus a “Wensth ofstermmum . . . . . . 88 GERANOALTUS, Kaup. Melanoleucos, Vieill. Tenths. Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 17 Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 18 Deptheotkeel oss us OS Length of head Breadth of head . Ne at Weiey Length of pelvise PY Zveey WLM e ay Mee ae iBicadth of pelvis.) . ©). . % SABES Similar to the other Fishing Eagles; the sternum has a foramen on each side of the posterior margin. The skeleton is in the British Museum, under the name of Haliaétus aguia. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length of humerus . . . . . . 60 | Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 25 Length ofulma .°. . . . . . 4% | Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 21 ieneth of metacarpus: -. gee. . «4 || Depthiot kee. <1. 0) Lie el Isength of femur. .. « «. +94) ta 42° | Miensth-ofshead® —. pat ai Ute fee et enethiotmibia 5. =, = = 6. eno9) i abreadthofthead’ 6.) eae ceed Leneth otmetatarsus . < ». ©. (Seo Mieneth oor pelvis. = 5 ee 5 oy ee hength Orstermmmn =.) ss near eS Oem me oadiuh OF eLyiSiirees i. cu een eect Hetorarsus, Smith. Ecaudatus, Daud. Similar to Haliaétus, but with the sternum and pelvis longer; a foramen on each side of the posterior margin of the former. The specimen is in the British Museum. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length of humerus . . . . . . 60 | Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 24 Length ofulma . . .. . . . 77 | Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 22 Length of metacarpus’. ©... 30)/) Depthivotckeel’: +... 2 2 Gemma 40 Ihength of femur ;~ . . . + » ¥ ‘88 | “length of head .. pagiem meee Ikenethortibia 6. << 2 5. sa 49) SBreadthvot head eee O2e Length of ametatargsus « (2. + 29 | lensth of pelvis [7 oe Se t0 Length of stemum. . . . . . 44 | Breadth of pelvis. . .'. . - . 18 16 VULTURIDZ. | OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. | VULTURINA. Spizantus, Vieill. | Cirrhatus, Haup. Cranium broader in proportion to its length than in Aguila. Lacrymals very long, terminating in an epilacrymal process. Palatine bones similar in shape to Aguila, but much narrower as they approach the hinder portion of the head; orbital septum with one large central foramen. Sternum similar in shape to ee My specimen, which is that of rather a young bird, has two small foramina on the right side of the posterior margin of the sternum, and only one on the other. In other respects the skeleton resembles Aguila; but some of the measurements approach Circus. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length of humerus . . . . . . 46 | Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 17 Length ofulma . . . . . . . 62 | Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 16 fenctivoitaditicns es “2... . oli DepthofkeeP. « . 4 “. «5 6 Lenathyof metacarpus «©... . 924. \» Length of head « 29 > «(86 Seneueomilcni tt see te eee. to co fl readtheot heades.’ os 2 2) <1 20 Eevigihveridpee « se 50.) 2). + 49) Lengthiof pelvis) ©... 1, 84 Tevethometatarmsus) en os . 3S | Breadthof pelvis.«. .. ... . 16 Lengiimot spernumm. Gol ye) 0 coll Lilustrations. Sternum, Plate III. fig. 12. Palatine bones, Plate VI. fig. 8. Metatarsus, Plate II. fig. 5. Fam, 2. VULTURIDZE. Subfam. 1. VULTURINA. SARCORAMPHUS, Dum. Gryphus, Linn. Type of Vulturide and Vulturine. The whole skeleton, as in Malconide, very strong. Cranium longer in proportion to its width than among the Falconide. The process of the frontal bones bounding the posterior portion of the upper part of the orbits triangular and lengthened ; the orbital septum with a large anterior perforation occupying nearly one-half of the septal plate, and a smaller one posteriorly. Foramen magnum large, rounded, placed nearly perpendicularly. Upper surface of the cranium slightly flattened on the vertex; no central longitudinal depression. Occipital ridge not very much developed; occipital protuberance large. The whole of the bones forming the anterior part of the head strongly anchylosed together; the nasal orifices are of an VOL. I. D uy VULTURID&. | OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [ VULTURIN. elongated oval shape; a deep transverse impression at the junction of the nasal with the frontal bones. Upper maxillaries hooked at the point, and with the margins slightly waved. Palatine bones extending far backwards to their articulation with the inter- articular bone, broad for their whole length, but most dilated posteriorly; the outer margin of the posterior portion bent downwards; the central plates placed nearly perpendicularly, triangular, with the apex pointing backwards. Interarticular bones with an expanded head at their articulation with the ossa quadrata, anterior to which they are contracted into a small rounded neck, from which they become gradually more expanded to their junction with the palatine bones. Condyloid portions of the occipital bones very highly developed. Vertebrw very strong and powerful, very broad; the four next to the atlas with the dorsal process strongly developed. Sternum convex; inferior edge of the keel very much rounded, and deepest in the centre; anterior edge receding considerably behind the manubrial process, which con- sists of a strong, thick, quadrate tubercle; the pectoral muscular ridges prominent. Posterior margin in a young bird with two indentations, which are nearly obliterated in the old one. Pelvinal bones very strong; the anchylosis between the sacral vertebre and the illum marked with small punctures on the posterior portion of the pelvis; the ium does not project far over the ischium, and the latter is placed nearly perpendicularly to the former. Ischiadic foramen oval and large; obturator foramen consisting of a narrow slit extending from the extremity of the ischium to within an inch of the cotyloid eavity, where it becomes suddenly enlarged and oval. Furculum very strong ; the rami broad, and laterally compressed for their upper halves, then becoming narrower and more rounded, with a slight pointed process extending nearly to the anterior edge of the keel of the sternum. Coracoids much expanded at both extremities and at their articulation with the sternum, extending beyond its lateral margin. Scapula of moderate strength, falciform, with a slight depression on its external surface. Humerus of great power, and very much expanded at its proxmal extremity; muscular ridges very distinct. Ulna slightly triangular, at proximal extremity much enlarged. Radius slightly flattened on its upper surface. A large space between the metacarpal bones; the hinder one flattened horizontally at its distal, and perpendicularly at its proximal extremity. Femur with the trochanter highly developed; the distal extremity much enlarged. Fibula anchylosed to the tibia for its whole length. Metatarsus very much excavated in front at its proximal end, with two small foramina marking the divisions between the metatarsal bones; calcaneal process of moderate size, with a slight ridge continued from it down the back of the metatarsal bone for about one-third of its length. 18 VULTURIDE. | ; OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [ VULTURINA. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length of humerus. . . . . . 110 | Breadthofposteriormargin ofsternum 37 Length ofulna . . . . . . . 130 | Breadthofanterior margin ofsternum 34 Length CLaiue wees iste | Depth of keel . .. sypeanres! Fe heel Length of metacarpus. . . = © 80 | Lengthofhead. ..... . » « G2 thenethouiemmn, o.° -. 1. < fad-ty i e860: | —Beréadth of head . 6 6 ethene) ee. 2 yee Depetiinortbia, = . + Seth ige®t | Length of pelvis. vagy pe 8 Length of metatarsus . . . . . 50 Breadth of pelvis . . wo... 38 Length of sternum. ..... 67 Lliustrations. Palatine bones, Plate VI. fig. 1. | Sternum, Plate I. fig. 4. | Skeleton, Plate I. A. SARCORAMPHUS, Dum. Papa, ann. Cranium similar to S. gryphus in shape, but with the foramina perforating the orbital septum much smaller; the occipital ridge very slightly developed in the centre, more so than on the sides; the protuberance also slight; the external edges of the palatine plates bent more downwards than in S. gryphus. Interarticular bones wanting. Sternum similar, but with the posterior margin indented with two large open fissures. Pelvis and the remainder of the skeleton also similar. | Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length of humerus . . . . . . 66 | Breadthofposteriormargin ofsternum 24 Length ofulma . ... . . . 83 | Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 21 enerieomametacarpuse = ate’ eee lm Deptheomkeel . 4 2 4 ee 4 OO Eeneth oitemur, =. 4/2... «386 | Length of head. . Wencth Oltibia 5 — a) Oe | Breadth of head . Dae hes 33 Henetivofametatarsus = =. 4 . . 30 | enethofpelvis . ... .9 ww 00 Renetuvciessermuiae ss ees 3 8. 42) 2 Breadth ofpelyis . . © 9. 2. 22 Lilustrations. | Metatarsus, Plate II. fig. 6. Scapula, coracoid, and furculum, Plate VIT. Pelvis, Plate V. fig. 1. ial: Caruartes, JI. Aura, Linn. Cranium very similar to Sarcoramphus gryphus, but with the anterior angles of the frontal bones projecting further; the nasal orifices more open in proportion to their length, and with the orbital septum nearly perfect. Sternum in general shape similar to Sarcoramphus, but with two large fissures on the D2 19 VULTURID. | OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [VULTURINA. posterior margin next the keel, and two fissures exterior to them; the remaining portions of the skeleton are very similar except in the measurements. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length of humerus. ©. -,. 8, = O6il Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 22 Tenethyorsulma = me. 2 Se GS Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 18 Length of radius «i+. <9 ain 68 Wepthtotikecl vi... =. Vee SES Length of metacarpus. . . . 4. 84 diensthrok heads: v2 \) «RP Pe ges Length totiemur '..-. © pg YOR Meg Breadth of ieads. . Ans eheia hh OhiS Hensthrotdibian. ©: 2° 4 4, Coes iene thsot pelvis® -. aimee PMS Length of métatarsus . . 02 6 ~ 20g, eBreadthofpelyis . . . . . ; 18k ensthvotistermmum.. 2 a, 2 el Llustration. Sternum, Plate I. fig. 2. Catuartes, J71. Foetens, J70. The posterior margin of the sternum differs from that of aura in having only one large foramen on each side of the keel; the centre is slightly produced and pointed ; the whole sternum is also more convex. ‘The sternum is all I possess of this bird. Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. LLeneth-otthumerts ¢-. 2 <5 5 Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 24 enernot mina, <2.) 2 ee 4 Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 22 enetiieot vadius'; + 2. ee ee epraot keel, 7). "Perey eee Length of metacarpus “2. ua: Length of head Renethvor temm: 26 2) 2 a © Breadth of head . eneiieot toi) aa eee Length of pelvis . Length of metatarsus . . . . . Breadth of pelvis . Keneth or stern: <7 2 2 ara) Lilustration. Sternum, Plate I. fig. 8. Neopuron, Sav. Percnopterus, Lann. The shape of the bones forming the cranium is very similar to those of the type of the family, but the maxillaries are more slender. The palatine bones taper much more anteriorly, are not so much deflexed on their interior edges, and have their hinder extremities more angular; the foramen magnum is not placed so perpendicularly. Sternum also similar to that of the type, but with two small foramina on its posterior margin, the right one of which, in my specimen, is the largest. 20 VULTURID&. | OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [ VULTURINA. Scapula broader near its extremity, but in general form the same. The coracoids have a small axillary foramen near their junction with the scapula, which is not present in Sarcoramphus, and in which this bird resembles the Eagles. The fibule also are more lengthened than in the type. | Measurements. Tenths. Tenths. Length of humerus . . . . . . 59 | Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 22 Length ofulma . .. . . . . 66 | Breadth of anterior margin of stemum 21 Percumoiicius: v cee. | OMe Wepul of keel ye ye eS igietieormemmeatpus. . . . POO | Weneth of head 0°", . . + . 40 Mensthectdemure: 6 2 os. oo | Gbreadth of head. 2 OT ecaeiwoubia 2. a a0. | mene. Of pelvis’. . . s . « 4 46 ensiimotimenmtarsuss . . "5. ae | breadth of pelvis. . 5 . . ... 20 Hemet ok sucrmum