Bill short, hooked, upper mandible lobed, but not toothed. Wings rather
short, tail long, and rather wide, tarsi rather long and slender, toes
and claws long, the latter curved and sharp. Embraces forty to fifty
species, amongst which are birds of all countries. They are very
vigilant and active and swift of flight, and have as a peculiar
character amongst the _Falconidæ_, the habit of pursuing their prey into
woods and forests.