Large Nests in Trees 
$52. Bald Eagle: Haliaetus leucocephalus (Linn.) 
Adult—The entire head, neck, and tail white ; other parts dark 
brownish. Length—4, 32.85; 2, 35.50. 
Breeding Range—Throughout North America. 
The nest is a very large structure of sticks, sometimes ‘‘ partly 
composed of sods,” and more or less lined with grass; it is 
placed in large trees (in parts of Florida the pine is used almost 
exclusively), in mangroves, and rarely on rocks. The eggs, 2 in 
number, are white or whitish. Size—2.85 x 2.20. 
The Bald Eagle found in Florida is much smaller than the 
northern bird ; its eggs also are somewhat smaller ; then, again, 
the Florida bird feeds to a great extent on carrion, and may be 
often seen feeding with large numbers of the turkey vultures. 
Some writers say that on the approach of the eagle the turkey 
vultures disperse. I have, however, seen them feeding together 
in comparative harmony. 
The breeding season begins very early. In Florida eggs 
may be found in January. 
357. Pigeon Hawk: Falco columbarius Linn. 
Eggs light cinnamon or creamy white, blotched, clouded, and 
spotted with chestnut and brown. 
See Page 82, Chapter V. 
862. Audubon’s Caracara: Polyborus cherivay (Jacq.) 
Adult—Crown and back black ; upper back and nape slightly 
barred. Under parts: Throat and breast buff, the breast 
finely barred with black ; belly black ; feathers on crown 
slightly elongated ; face bare. Length—23.00. 
Breeding Range—Southern Florida and Texas. 
The nests, which are not very bulky, are made of sticks and 
grass, either with or without lining, and placed in trees, amongst 
others the cabbage palmetto, and in bushes, rarely in cliffs. 2 
to 3 eggs are laid ; they are reddish or yellowish buff with small 
and large markings and cloudings of rich purplish brown, chest- 
nut, and reddish brown. Size—2.40 x 1.70. 
128 
