RAPTORES : EAGLES, ETC. 179 



strength, swiftness of flight, and courage, as the true Fal- 

 cons already noticed. 



About seventy species of the Falconidse are known as 

 Eagles. Among the most interesting species are the 

 Golden or Ring-tailed Eagle, the White-headed Eagle 

 often incorrectly called the Bald Eagle and the Osprey 

 or Fish Hawk. The Golden Eagle has its tarsi feathered, 

 even to the toes. 



The White-headed Eagle (Ilalietus leucocephalus, Sa- 

 vigny, Fig. 213) has the tarsi mostly bare of feathers. 

 This Eagle frequents the sea-shore, lakes, and rivers, and 

 feeds upon fish. It builds its nest on a tall tree ; while 

 the Golden Eagle builds its nest upon a rocky cliif. 



Among all the rapacious birds, none are more remark- 

 able in their appearance than the Owls or Strigidse: 

 These birds have a comparatively short body, very loose 

 plumage, very large head, very large eyes directed for- 

 ward, a curved bill nearly concealed by bristle-like feath- 

 ers, and large ear cavities ; and the whole expression of 

 the face is decidedly cat-like. 



About a hundred and fifty kinds are known, and ex- 

 cepting the Snowy Owls, and Hawk-Owls, which have 

 the general appearance and habits both of owls and falcons, 

 they are mostly nocturnal in their habits, being abroad 

 at twilight and at night, and keeping quiet during the 

 day. 



In size, the Owls vary from the little Acadian Owl, 

 scarcely larger than a robin, to the large Snowy Owls, 

 and the Great Horned Owls, which have a total length of 

 about two feet (Figs. 214, 215). 



The smaller kinds of owls prey upon insects, mice, 

 squirrels, and small birds ; but the larger kinds attack 

 hares, and grouse; and not unfrequently visit the farm- 



