EAGLES AND HAWKS. 31 



downy. In most species the external tibial feathers 

 are elongated so as to form tufts, but in one, the os- 

 prey, all the feathers of the tibia are remarkably small 

 and short. The whole body is clothed with soft down, 

 and in many species the anterior part of the breast, and 

 a portion of the abdomen, are destitute of feathers, al- 

 though the down of those parts is covered by the fea- 

 thers arising in their vicinity. 



These birds prey upon quadrupeds, birds, reptiles, 

 fishes, and insects; some of them also feed on dead 

 animals, so that no definite general character can be 

 olAained in this respect. They carry ofi^ their prey in 

 their talons, tear it up with their hooked bill, general- 

 ly swallow the smaller bones and part of the hair and 

 feathers, which, with the undigested portions of insects 

 and other animals, they cast up in pellets. Small ani- 

 mals, as lizards, mice, and insects, are often swallowed 

 entire. They always seize their prey with their talons, 

 and kill it by thrusting their claws into it. 



Their vision is extremely acute, but in what degree 

 they possess the senses of smelling, hearing, touch, and 

 taste, is not easily ascertainable, although the latter is 

 probably very perfect. 



Their flight is strong and protracted, in some species 

 extremely rapid, in none slow or laborious. Most of 

 them ascend to a great height, and sail or float in cir- 

 cles, as if for amusement. Their feet being essentially 

 formed for grasping, they easily alight on branches or 

 rocks, but some of them repose on the ground. They 

 are, however, very ill adapted for walking, as may be 

 understood on comparing them with those of a bird 

 noted for speed, such as the ostrich, the bustard, the 



