8^^ A.QUILA. 



The genus Aqiiila, of which our own Golden Eagle, 

 A. Chrysaetus, is a characteristic representative, is com- 

 posed of birds of large or moderate size, of more rapa- 

 cious habits than those of the preceding genus, although, 

 like them, they do not disdain dead animals. They seek 

 repose in unfrequented mountainous places, nestle in 

 rocks, and make extensive excursions in quest of prey. 

 More active and lively than the sea-eagles, they bear 

 a greater resemblance to the falcons, although still 

 heavy, and incapable of very rapid evolutions, so that 

 they are obliged to pounce their prey on the ground, 

 or pursue birds 'not remarkable for celerity of flight, 

 or dexterity in evading pursuit. The Aquiise differ 

 from the Haliaeti chiefly in having the bill shorter and 

 thicker, the tail longer, the tarsi for the most part fea- 

 thered to the toes instead of being feathered only one- 

 third down. There is, however, a gradual transition 

 from the one genus to the other, as is manifested es- 

 pecially in Aquila fucosa of New Holland, which has 

 the bill of Haliaetus, with the form and plumage of the 

 Golden Eagle ; and a similar affinity exists between 

 Aquila and Pandion, as I shall afterwards shew. The 

 genus Gypaetus seems to me to be more connected 

 with Aquila than with Haliaetus in its general aspect, 

 and in the form of its bill and feet, while in both re- 

 spects it is still more nearly allied to the family of 

 vultures. The eagles properly so called are most inti- 

 mately allied to the genera Pandion and Buteo, as will 

 be explained when speaking more particularly of them. 



