574 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
on the back of the head. This latter feature, although general, is 
not, however, common to all the species. 
These birds inhabit the forests of Africa and South America. 
They are admirably organised for strife and slaughter, and are the 
terror of ail animal life in their neighbourhood. 
The Huppart (Fao ozcipitalis), thus named on account of its 
huppe, or tuft, which is about six inches long, is a native of Africa, 
and feeds on hares, ducks, and partridges. It also pursues crows, 
for which it feels a deadly hatred, as these birds sometimes league 
together to deprive it of its prey, and even to devour its brood. It 
will not suffer any rival in its domain, but accords protection to small 
birds which come near to its nest to seek a shelter from the attacks 
of inferior birds of prey. 
The Brazilian Eagle or Urzbitinga (Morphnus Urubitinga). 
inhabits Brazil and Guiana; it is eminently wild and taciturn, and 
builds its nest in the vieinity of marshes. It feeds on birds, small 
mammals, reptiles, and even fish. 
The Harpy or Crested Eagle (Harpyia destructor, Fig. 264), is the 
model species of the genus. It is the most formidable of the genus 
Morphnus, for it is larger, measuring nearly five feet from the 
extremity of the head to that of the tail; its bill is more than two 
inches in length; and its claws and toes are longer and more robust 
than the fingers of a man. It is rumoured that the Harpy does not 
fear to attack carnivora of large size, and even men. ‘Two or three 
blows from its bill are sufficient to break its victim’s skull. In order 
to render these assertions worthy of belief they should be confirmed 
by those who have enjoyed opportunities for observation. 
Be this as it may, there is no doubt that Harpies are endowed with 
extraordinary strength. D’Orbigny relates that at the time of an 
exploring expedition on the banks of the Rio Securia, in Bolivia, he 
met with a Harpy of large size. The Indians who accompanied him 
pursued it, pierced it with two arrows, and gave it numerous blows on 
the head. At length, thinking it was dead, they plucked off the 
greater part of its feathers, and even the down also, placing it 
afterwards in their canoe. What was the surprise of the naturalist 
when the bird, recovered from its stupefaction, darted upon him, and, 
burying its claws in his arm, inflicted most dangerous wounds! ‘The 
interference of the Indians was necessary in order to rid him of his 
antagonist. 
The Harpy inhabits the great forests situated on the banks of the 
rivers of South America. Its food consists of agoutis, fawns, sloths, 
and especially monkeys. 
