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A ravisher; a plunderer. [Obs.]

Same as Accipitres. Called also Raptatores.

Of or pertaining to the Raptores. See Illust. (f) of Aves.

Raptorial.

A genus of rapacious birds; one of the Accipitres or Raptores.

Like or belonging to the Accipitres; raptorial; hawklike.

mognathæ), including various wading and swimming birds, as the ducks and herons, and also raptorial and other kinds.

Active by day; -- applied especially to the eagles and hawks among raptorial birds, and to butterflies (Diurna) among insects. Diurnal aberration (Anat.), the aberration of light arising from the effect of the earth's rotation upon the apparent direction of motion of light. -- Diurnal arc, the arc described by the sun…

One of a family (Falconidæ) of raptorial birds, characterized by a short, hooked beak, strong claws, and powerful flight.

Any raptorial bird of the subfamily Milvinæ, of which many species are known. They have long wings, adapted for soaring, and usually a forked tail.

A genus of raptorial birds, including the European kite.

Any cpecies of raptorial birds of the family Strigidæ. They have large eyes and ears, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye. They are mostly nocturnal in their habits.

A raptor. [Obs.] Drayton.

A division of raptorial birds composing the vultures.

re fancifully thought to resemble pens stuck behind the ear.] (Zoöl.) A large long-legged raptorial bird (Gypogeranus serpentarius), native of South Africa, but now naturalized in the West Indies and some other tropical countries. It has a powerful hooked beak, a crest of long feathers, and a long tail. It feeds upon r…

olubrina; also, the plant itself. -- Serpent eage (Zoöl.), any one of several species of raptorial birds of the genera Circaëtus and Spilornis, which prey on serpents. They inhabit Africa, Southern Europe, and India. The European serpent eagle is Circaëtus Gallicus. -- Serpent eater. (Zoöl.) (a) The secretary bird. (…