38 ACCIPITRES. 



necessary to select one or two of tlie most remark- 

 able, in order to exemplify tlie general character of 

 this formidable race. 



The Sea-Eagles {llaliaetus") are large and powerfal 

 birds inhabiting both the Ohl and New Worhls, They 

 are usually found in mountainous districts near the sea, 

 or on precipices that border inland lakes. Fishes consti- 

 tute their principal food, which are generally obtained, as 

 described hereafter, in no very honest manner ; but they 

 likewise prey upon large quadrupeds aud aquatic birds, 

 or even feed freely upon carrion. The borders of inland 

 lakes, and the rocky mai'ghis of the larger rivei's, are in 

 turn made the scenes of their predatory exj^loits. " In 

 such situations, this ruthless tyrant may be seen perched 

 in an erect attitude on the highest summit of the tallest 

 tree, from whence his glistening but stern eye'^looks 

 dov/n on the scene beneath. He listens attentively to 

 every sound, glancing now and then around, lest even the 

 light tread of the fawn should pass unheard. His mate 

 is perched on the opj^osite bank of the river, and should 

 all be silent, warns him by a cry to remain patient. At 

 this well-known call, the male partly opens his broad 

 wings, inclines his body a little downwards, and answers 

 to her voice in tones not unlike the laugh of a maniac. 

 The next moment he resumes his erect attitude, and all 

 is again silent. Ducks of many species, the Teal, the 

 Widgeon, the Mallard, and others, are seen j^assing and 

 following the course of the current ; but the Eagle heeds 

 them not, they are at this time beneath his attention. 

 The next moment, however, the wild trumpet-like scream 

 of a yet distant but approaching swan is heard. A shriek 

 from the female Eagle comes across the stream, for she is 

 fully as alert as her mate. The latter suddenly shakes 

 himself, and with a few touches of his beak arranges his 

 plumage. The snow-white bird is now in sight, her 

 long neck is stretched forward, her eye is on the watch, 

 vigilant as that of her enemy — she approaches, however, 

 and the Eagle has marked her for his prey. As the 

 Swan is passing the dreaded pair, the male Eagle starts 

 from his perch with an awful scream, that to the Swan's 

 ear brings more terror than the rej^ort of a gun. Now 



* uXg,tliesea; aircg, an eagle ; Sea-Eagle. 



