THE WASHINGTON EAGLE. 



41 



head, and erection of its crest, seem, however, to have arisen from no- 

 thing more than that love which almost all domesticated birds evince 

 of having their heads scratched. And these birds, when rendered 

 familiar, are well known to approach every person who comes near 

 them, and to stretch out their necks by way of making known thia 

 desire. 



This singular bird has not long been known, even at the Cape: but, 

 when we consider its sociable and familiar disposition, we are disposed 

 to think that it would be advisable to multiply the species, particu- 

 larly in our colonies; for it is hardy enough to endure even European 

 climates, where it might be serviceable in destroying not only perni- 

 cious reptiles, but Eats and Mice. 



The Secretary Falcons make, with twigs, a flat nest, full three feet 

 in diameter, and line it with wool and feathers. This is usually 

 formed in some high tuft of trees; and is often so well concealed, a'« 

 not easily to be discovered even by the most scrutinizing eye. It if. 

 a very singular circumstance, that in their contests these birds always 

 strike forward with their legs ; and not, like all others, backward. 



THE WASHINGTON EAGLE. 



The Washington Eagle, says 

 Nuttall, bold and vigorous, 

 disdains the piratical habits of 

 the Bald Eagle, and invariably 

 obtains his own sustenance 

 without molesting the Osprey. 

 I'he circles he describes in his 

 dight are wider than those of 

 Ihe White-headed Eagle; he 

 jtlso flies nearer to the land or 

 the surface of the water; and 

 when about to dive for his 

 prey, he descends in circuitous, 

 spiral rounds, as if to check the 

 retreat of the fish, on which he 

 darts only when within the 

 distance of a few yards. When 

 his prey is obtained, he flies 

 out at a low elevation to a 

 considerable distance to enjoy 

 his repast at leasure. The 

 quantity of food consumed by 

 this enormous bird is very 

 great, according to the account 

 of those who have had them in 

 :oiMnernent. Mr. Audubon's 

 ■male bird weighed fourteen 

 and t half pounds avoirdupois. 



