360 OSPREY. 



records for Ireland, where the bird occurs chiefly on the autumn 

 migration or in winter ; but it has never been known to breed 

 in that island, though many of the inland waters appear suitable. 



This species does not occur in Iceland or Greenland, but it is very 

 abundant in North America ; while it is generally distributed over 

 the Old World as far south as Australia, so that it may almost be 

 termed cosmopolitan. In Europe it breeds — either in forests near 

 lakes, or on sea-cliffs — from Lapland to Spain, and eastward to 

 Greece and Southern Russia ; as well as from the north coast of 

 Africa down to the Red Sea on the east side, and the Canaries and 

 Cape Verde Islands on the west ; likewise in suitable localities 

 throughout Asia. Its distribution is, in fact, restricted by two con- 

 ditions only : the bird must be in the vicinity of waters inhabited by 

 fish which swim sufliciently near the surface to supply it with food, 

 and the proximity of mankind is a decided objection. 



The nest is a bulky structure of sticks, sometimes mixed with turf; 

 and on the top is a small cavity lined with moss for the reception of 

 the eggs. These, 2-3 in number, are often very beautiful, having 

 the ground-colour of white or buff, with rich blotches of chestnut- 

 red or claret-colour and underlying blurs of purplish-grey : average 

 measurements 2-5 by i'8 in. In the northern hemisphere they are 

 usually laid towards the end of April or early in May. In wooded 

 districts trees are generally preferred, and Booth stated that all the 

 nests he had recently visited in the Highlands were in Scotch-firs ; 

 but old buildings and rocky islets in lochs are also utilized. In 

 North America the Osprey is gregarious, and as many as three 

 hundred pairs have been seen nesting on one small island. Until 

 taught caution by molestation it is a very unsuspicious bird, as 

 every one must be aware who has read St. John's ' Tour in Suther- 

 land.' The food consists of fish, upon which the bird plunges, 

 often from a considerable height, and bears its prey away in its 

 claws ; these are remarkably curved and sharp, the outer toe being 

 reversible and the soles of the feet very rough. 



The adult male has the head and nape white, streaked with brown ; 

 upper plumage umber with a purplish tinge ; under parts white, with 

 a band of brown spots across the breast ; cere, legs, and toes 

 greenish-blue. Length 22 in. ; wing 19 in. The female is larger, 

 and more marked with brown on the breast ; length 24 in. ; wing 

 2 1 in. The young bird has pale edges to the upper feathers and 

 the tail distinctly barred ; the adult plumage is not attained until 

 the third or fourth year. The irides are yellow in young and old. 



