236 HALIAETUS ALBICILLA. 



while the dark parts become paler and more extended, the 

 final colouring being more uniform. The tail forms no ex- 

 ception, for its basal white also diminishes ; but the white 

 which is gradually substituted for the brownish-black, spreads 

 from near the end to the base. The American White-headed 

 Sea-Eagle follows the same rule ; but in it, not only the tail, 

 but also the head and neck become Avhite. 



This species is said to be rare in the south of Europe, and 

 to be most numerous in the colder parts of the temperate 

 zone, extending as far as Iceland. M. Temminck remarks 

 that " in its migrations, it seems to follow the largest flocks 

 of Bean-Geese, which in autumn betake themselves to the 

 estuaries of rivers ;"" but from Dr Edmondston's account, this 

 eagle is hardly a match for a goose, which yet is surpassingly 

 strange, when we are told by Mr Audubon that its brother, 

 the White-headed Eagle, captures Swans. Haliaetus Albi- 

 cilla has not been found in America, but the American H. leu- 

 cocephalus is said to breed in Norway. 



It is indeed strange that a bird so robust, with a body much 

 larger than that of the Golden Eagle, and with the most for- 

 midable bill and talons, should not be distinguished for its 

 feats of daring and strength. The faculties and instincts of 

 animals correspond with their organization, and one cannot 

 help thinking that these enormous claws were given for the 

 purpose of piercing and carrying off" nobler game than rabbits 

 and rats. Yet it cannot be denied tliat this huge bird possesses 

 not a tithe of the spirit of the Peregrine Falcon or Sparrow 

 Hawk ; for I have seen it sailing about and screaming, while 

 a person was dangling on a rope above its nest, without so 

 much as making a pretence of attacking him, unless by thrust- 

 ing out its feet and alternately opening and closing its talons. 



