BIRDS OF 

 (iKNUs llALIiEETUS Savigny. 



142. HALI.EETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS (Linn.). 352 



Bald Eagle. 



Dark-brown ; head and tail white after the third year ; before this, these 

 parts like the rest of the plumage. About the size of the last species. 

 Immature birds average larger than adults. 



Hab. North America at large, south to Mexico. 



Nest of huge dimensions, built of sticks, placed on a tree. 



Eggs, 2 ; soiled white. 



This is more frequently seen than the preceding species, and 

 may be considered resident, as it is often observed during winter, 

 and breeds in suitable places throughout the country, usuall}^ on 

 or near the shore of a lake. In a letter from Dr. McCormick 

 dated Breeze Place, Pelee Island, June I2th, 1884, the writer 

 says : " I chanced to observe an interesting incident a few 

 days since, showing what looked very much like reasoning 

 powers in a Bald-headed Eagle. The wind was blowing quite 

 strong from the west, and the Eagle had caught a large fish. 

 Rising in the air with his dying prey in his talons, he tried to 

 fl)'^ directly to windward, towards his nest, but the wind was 

 too strong, and after several unsuccessful attempts he 

 dropped the fish (now dead) into the water. Then flying 

 off toward the north for some distance, apparently to try 

 the wind in that direction, and finding he could progress 

 more easily, he turned round, went back to the fish, took it up 

 again in his claws, and flying north with a beam wind made the 

 shore. Then in shelter of a friendly grove of trees, he flew awa}- 

 toward the west and his nest, with his seal}' treasure, thus exercis- 

 ing what appeared to be a reasoning process of cause and effect." 



A favorite haunt of this species used to be along the Niagara 

 River below the Falls, where they would sit on the dead trees 

 by the river bank and watch for any dead or dying animals that 

 came down the stream. This habit becoming known to 

 collectors, a constant watch was kept for the appearance of the 

 birds, many were picked off with the rifle, and although a few 

 still visit the old haunts, their numbers are greatly reduced. 



146 



