RAPTORES. 9 



logues of each other in their respective habitats, and doubtless 

 perform similar offices in the great scheme of creation. 



Since the above passage was written, Mr. Gilbert has 

 observed the bird on the Cobourg Peninsula; he did not, 

 however, obtain a specimen ; but the fact of its having 

 been seen there by so careful an observer proves that its 

 range extends to the extreme northern portion of the country ; 

 still I believe that it becomes more and more scarce as we 

 advance northwards from the south coast. 



All that has been said by previous writers respecting the 

 courage, power, and rapacity of the Golden Eagle applies 

 with equal force to the Aqiiila audax : in size they are also 

 nearly alike ; but the lengthened and wedge-shaped form of 

 its tail gives to the Australian bird a far more pleasing and 

 elegant contour. 



I find by my notes that one of those I killed weighed nine 

 pounds, and measured six feet eight inches from tip to tip of 

 the opposite pinions ; but far larger individuals than this have, 

 I should say, come under my notice. The natural disposition 

 of the Wedge-tailed Eagle leads it to frequent the interior 

 portion of the country rather than the shores or the neighbour- 

 hood of the sea. It preys indiscriminately on all the smaller 

 species of Kangaroo which tenant the plains and the open 

 crowns of the hills, and whose retreats, from the wonderful 

 acuteness of its vision, it descries while soaring and performing 

 those graceful evolutions and circles in the air so frequently 

 seen by the residents of the countries it inhabits : neither is 

 the noble Bustard, whose weight is twice that of its enemy, 

 and who finds a more secure asylum on the extensive plains 

 of the interior than most animals, safe from its attacks ; its 

 tremendous stoop and powerful grasp, in fact, carry inevitable 

 destruction to its victim, be it ever so large and formidable. 

 The breeders of sheep find in this bird an enemy which com- 

 mits extensive ravages among their lambs ; and consequently 

 in its turn it is persecuted unrelentingly by the shepherds of 



