WHITE-TAILED SEA-EAGLE. 57 



out of the wings to dry, or to be aired, as one may say, 

 is not peculiar either to vultures or to eagles ; for the 

 cormorants and shags, on the rocks around the haunts 

 of the latter, very frequently employ it. If the Fri- 

 gate Bird uses the same attitudes, this would fui'iiish 

 an additional proof of the affinity of the genera Tachy- 

 petes and Carbo to Cathartes. In rising from the 

 ground, it thi'ows itself forward, flaps its extended 

 wings repeatedly, striking their tips against the ground 

 before it gets fairly on wing, when, after a few more 

 flappings, it assumes a steady and vigorous flight, or 

 soars away, wheeling in large circles. Owing probably 

 to this difficulty of raising itself on wing, it seldom 

 alights on plain ground for the purpose of resting, but 

 usually settles on a large stone or block, the pinnacle 

 of a rock, or the edge of a precipice. The case is dif- 

 ferent, however, on an extensive sand, and in Harris I 

 have several times seen it resting in such a place ; for 

 there it can make its escape from its enemies Avithout 

 experiencing any danger. Once, when two eagles of 

 this species had alighted on the sands of North Town, 

 not being able to get nearer them than a bank at the 

 distance of five hundred yards, I resolved to give them 

 a fright at least, and putting a double charge of powder 

 in my musket let drive a ball between them. I saw it 

 hit the sand near them, when they got up in all possi- 

 ble haste, and moved off in silence. In such circum- 

 stances, however, I believe a person might sometimes 

 get within shot, by running up at his utmost speed, as I 

 have myself successfully dime in the case of the Brent 

 Geese, which rise much more easily. 



When it is fairly on wing, its motions are beautiful in 



