the author expresses a mix of pride and frustration regarding his contributions to the field of ornithology, recounting his extensive travel and laborious collection of bird specimens over the past decade. The opening also includes a dedication and a preface reflecting on the challenges he faced in the pursuit of scientific recognition. He then begins describing various raptors, such as the Griffard, detailing their physical attributes, habits, and hunting techniques, while emphasizing the intricate relationships they maintain within their ecosystems. Le Vaillant's narrative sets the stage for a comprehensive study of African birds, as he seeks to provide a richer understanding of their natural history and significance. (This is an automatically generated summary.)