125 



Econoynic Status. Of 15 stomachs examined, 1 contained game; 5, 

 mammals; 9, fish; and 2, carrion. In examining these data it is observ- 

 able that the 6 stomachs containing mammals and game are winter 

 specimens and, except one, were taken at a distance from water. Had the 

 natural breeding and summer grounds of the Bald Eagle been the source 

 of the specimens here studied, the mammals and game would probably 

 have been replaced by fish, for this forms the great bulk of its food. The 

 food is taken in various ways. The bird dives for fish in true Osprey 

 manner when necessary, but it usually picks them up dead from the shore 

 or, where Ospreys are common, takes the fish from them by force. To do 

 this it pursues and badgers the successful fisher until the prize is dropped, 

 which by a lightning-like swoop is caught in the air and carried away in 

 triumph. It is, as a rule, hardly equal to the capture of the ciuicker birds, 

 but wounded or hurt ducks or game are eagerly picked up from the marshes. 

 When opportunity offers the Bald Eagle eats offal without compunction. 



It will be seen that Bald Eagles in reasonable numbers cannot be any 

 great menace to mankind. Poultry is rarely touched. The fish they take 

 is only a bagatelle, being mostly waste or surplus from a great abundance. 

 Their scavenging is actively beneficial and they should be encouraged rather 

 than repressed. 



FAMILY — FALCONID^. FALCONS AND CARACARAS. 



The Family Falconidce consists of tw^o subfamilies, the True Falcons 

 Falconince and the Caracaras Polyhorincje. The last named subfamily is 

 of southern distribution and only one Caracara has been taken in Canada. 



Subfamily — Falconince. True Falcons. 



The Falcons were known to the old falconers as the Noble or Long- 

 winged Birds of Prey and, on account of their great spirit, strength, and 

 address, were the chosen birds for use in hunting. Their long wings give 

 them great speed and their endurance permits them to maintain it. They 

 are bold and strong and capture their prey by sudden swoops when possible, 

 but unlike the Accipiters are not discouraged when their stroke misses. 

 Their first object is to rise above the prey, which they do by means of a 

 long spiral climb. Once above their prey they drop like a bullet upon it 

 striking with their pow^erful talons as they do so. 



The flight of the Falcons is quite recognizable, quick strokes with 

 pointed wings and with very little sailing. Seen in the hand, the upper 

 mandible furnished with a tooth (Figure 33a, p. 23) will always separate 

 the Falcons from other Hawks. Fortunately, none but the smallest and 

 most harmless of the subfamily is common within cultivated areas and 

 those that size makes important are either very rare or are confined to the 

 far north where their depredations can do the husbandman no harm. 

 Even those that do occur occasionally about cultivation are generally wild 

 and wary enough to keep away from the immediate vicinity of habitation. 



Gyrfalcons. 



General Description. Large falcons 20 to 22 inches in length, usually of very white 

 coloration. Their large size distinguishes these birds from all others of the subfamily. 

 57172—91 



