NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



are troublesome, eagles would help in keeping these thieving 

 and mischievous animals in check. They would, of course, 

 also prey on hares and small antelopes ; but, after all, these 

 animals are not only of no economic value, but are distinctly 

 destructive in their habits. 



Vulturine Sea Eagle. 



[Gypohierax angolensis.) 



Diet. — The food of this eagle is fish, on which it suddenly 

 descends when they are swimming on or near the surface of 

 the water. It also eats various Crustacea, including crabs. It 

 frequents the seacoast and the larger rivers, but is rare in South 

 Africa. 



Southern Lammergeyer. 



[Gypactus ossifragus.) 



Diet, — The lammervanger, as it is known in South Africa, 

 is confined to the mountain ranges, and is now seldom seen. 

 It feeds on carrion and bones. The latter are swallowed and 

 completely digested. It also preys on the smaller mammals, 

 such as the klip dassie. It is said to kill sickly sheep and lambs. 



African Buzzard Eagle. 



[Jsturinula monogrammica.) 



Diet. — This small falcon-like eagle preys almost entirely 

 on insect life, and it is therefore of considerable economic 

 value. The crop of one examined was crammed with large 

 termites, and in the crops of others an assortment of insects 

 was found. 



The Buzzard. 



(Genus — Buteo.) 



Diet. — The food consists chiefly of small mammals, 

 lizards, snakes, frogs, and game birds. When the opportunity 

 offers the buzzards prey on poultry. Doubt has been thrown 



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