AVES. 305 



which Is the vocifer of Le Vaillant {H. vocifer), the plumage of which, especially 

 the white head, gives it somewhat the appearance of the American species. 

 Several Indian species also occur, constituting the genera Ichtltyiaetus, Lafres., 

 Lirnnaetus, Vig., and Spilornis, Gray, all the species of Avhich seem to par- 

 take of general characters and habits. 



In this sub-family we find the ospreys, genus Pcmdion, one species of 

 which is a common and familiar bird upon the North American sea-coast, 

 known as the fish-hawk, and much respected as one of the harbingers of the 

 fishing season. It builds a large and conspicuous nest composed of a great 

 quantity of sticks and leaves, in which it is universally allowed by the people 

 upon the coast to rear its young without molestation, though c^uite the 

 reverse is practised towards all others of this family of birds. The Euro- 

 pean species, P. ossifrai^^ua {pi. 105, ßg-. 3), is distinct from that of the 

 American coast, though very similar, as are others inhabiting various parts 

 of the world. 



The harpy eagles, genus Harpyia, Cuv., also belong here. The principal 

 species is the great harpy {Harpyia destructor), which, in addition to a full 

 share of other rapacious characters, possesses the most formidable claws of 

 all known birds. It subsists on sloths, monkeys, and other quadrupeds. 

 Other smaller species belong to this genus which are found in South Ameri- 

 ca. Related to these are the very handsome' crested eagles of the genus Spi- 

 zaetus, Vieill, which inhabit the same country ; the S. nrnatns is especially 

 beautiful. 



The African short-tailed eagle {Helotarsus ecmidatus) may be especially 

 designated, if for no other purpose than merely to mention that although he is 

 a bird nearly as large as the bald eagle, his tail is so short as to be scarcely 

 discernible without examination. 



The little Pondicherr^'^ eagle, or Brahman kite, as it is sometimes called 

 {Haliastur pondicerianus), belongs here. It is a small species, with white 

 and chestnut colored plumage, and is one of the most common of the Indian 

 birds of prey. Many other species are found in various parts of the world. 

 They are the largest of the birds of prey of this family, and are only equalled 

 in size in the class of rapacious birds by the vultures. 



Sub-fani. 4. Polyhorincr., or Caracara Eagles. Bill rather weak, and 

 but slightly hooked at the tip, lateral margins of the upper mandible festooned 

 or sinuated ; wings long, tail long, rounded. Tarsi slender, naked, and covered 

 Avith scales ; feet moderate, rather Aveak ; claws moderate, acute. Face and 

 region about the eyes naked. Size small. 



The Polyhorince compose a small group of very peculiar birds confined 

 exclusively to the warmer parts of America, one species only, Polyhnnis 

 brazillensis, occurring as far north as Mexico, Texas, and occasionally 

 Florida. It is rather remarkable for its beauty of plumage, and is said to 

 combine the destructive qualities of the hawks Avith the indiscriminating 

 voraciousness of the vultures. In fact these characters are attributed to 

 all the species of this group, and are sanctioned by their appearance. 

 Their naked faces and comparatively weak bills give them much the 

 appearance of the vultures with which they have sometimes been classed j 



509 



