WHITE-TAILED SEA-EAGLE. 225 



On comparing these measurements with those of the Golden 

 Eagle, differences will be seen sufficient to indicate more im- 

 portant distinctions than those derived from the form of the 

 bill. 



The trachea^ of several individuals were as follows : 



M. 



Length 10 



Width above i§ 



Width below ^'1 



Rings 125 



Bronchial rings 20 



Similar differences are found in the number of scutella : — 



Adult. 



Anterior tarsal 7-56773 



Posterior tarsal 0-10730 



Hind toe 3 3 3 2 4 5 4 



Second toe 4 3 3 4 4 5 4 



Third toe 12 12 14 11 12 12 11 



Fourth toe .... 6 6 7 4 7 6 



These differences will serve to shew what degree of depend- 

 ence may be had on the scutella as affording specific distinc- 

 tions. 



Change of Plumage, — The moult is not completed until 

 the end of autumn, when the feathers are of a deeper tint than 

 in summer. The change is very gradual, and new feathers 

 may be seen at any period, as in the Golden Eagle. 



Habits. — The White-tailed Sea-Eagle usually chooses for 

 its retreat the shelf of some lofty precipice overhanging the sea, 

 and there in fancied security forms its nest, and reposes at night. 

 Individuals have been known to remain attached to the same 

 spot for many years, nor does it appear that this bird ever relin- 

 quishes its residence to its young, but drives them off to find a 



VOL. III. Q 



