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Show 22 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE. SuB.-FAM.-BUTEONIN.lE. CnAXIREX. Gould. Rostrum Bttteonis sed longius; mandibulce superioris rnmgo rectus; versus apicem subito incut·vus. Alee elongatce. Cera lata. Nares Jere rotundce, apertce. Tarsi mediocres, antice squamis tecti. Digiti rnagni, fortes; ungues obtusce. Mn. GouLD was partly led to institute this genus ft·om the facts communicated to him by me regarding the habits of the following species, which is found in the Galapagos Archipelago, and there supplies the place of the Polybori and Milvagines of the neighbouring continent of America. If a principle of classification founded on habits alone, were admissible, this bird, as will presently be shown, undoubtedly would be ranked with more propriety in the sub-family of Polyborinre, than amongst the Buzzards. To the latter it is closely related in the form of its nostrils ; in the kind. of plumage which covers the head, breast, and shouldm·s; in the reticulation of the scales on its feet and tarsi, and less closely in the form of its beak. To the Polyborinre it manifests an affinity in the great strength and length of its toes and claws, and in the bluntness of the latter; in the nakedness of the cere, in the perfectly uncovered nostrils, in the prolongation and bulk of the bill, in the straightness of the line of commissure, and in the narrow shape of the head. In these several respects, taken conjointly with its habits, this bird supplies a most interesting link in the chain of affinities, by which the true buzzards pass into the great American sub-family of carrionfeeding hawks. I am, indeed, unable to decide, whether I have judged rightly in placing this genus, as first of the Buteoninre, instead of last of the Polyborinre. |
