592 EAPTOEES, OR BIRDS OF PEEY. 



talons very powerful, and furnislied witt retractile nails — not, 

 indeed, in tlie same manner as cats, which, have the power of 

 withdrawing or sheathing theirs within the integuments, but by a 

 conformation which gives the bird of prey the power of elevating 

 its claw^s at pleasure. 



These are the birds of prey joar excellence. They feed for the 

 most part on living animals; there are, however, some which, when 

 other means of sustenance fail, devour putrefied flesh. Their flight 

 is very rapid, and they ascend to immense altitudes in the sky. 

 They are seldom to be seen on the ground ; if they settle there it 

 is but to seize their prey, which accomplished, they without delay 

 take wing to their aerie. They lay, on an average, three or 

 four eggs. Their plumage alters considerably during their early 

 years ; to such an extent, indeed, does this occur, that the young 

 and the adult birds have often been taken for two distinct species. 

 This fact has not a little contributed to confusing students of orni- 

 tholog3\ 



This family is a very numerous one, comprising no less than 

 nine genera ; namely. Eagles, Sea Eagles, Harpy Eagles, Caracara 

 Eagles, Hawks, Goshawks, Kites, Harriers, and Buzzards. 



The Eagle genus is characterised as follows : — The bill scal- 

 loped, but not toothed, and presenting a straight portion at 

 the base ; the nostrils elliptical and transverse ; the tarsi short, 

 and feathered down to the toes ; the wings long ; and the tail 

 rounded. 



BufFon has sketched a portrait of the Eagle, but his picture is by 

 no means a model of accuracy : — 



" The Eagles," he says, " both physically and morally, present 

 several points of harmony with the Lion. In the first place, in 

 strength, and consequently in an empire over other birds, as 

 the Lion over beasts. In magnanimity ; for he, too, disdains 

 small creatures, and despises their insults. The Eagle will for a 

 long time bear with the troublesome cries of the Crow and the 

 Mao-pie ere he makes up his mind to punish them with death. 

 Added to this, he covets no good things that he has not conquered 

 for himself, and no other prey than that of his own catching. In 

 temperance ; for he scarcely ever eats the whole of his victim, and, 

 like the Lion, leaves the bits and fragments for other creatures. 



