110 BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



such as Bustards, Sand-grouse and Pigeons. When inhabiting dis- 

 tricts near lakes or. marshes it is said to subsist chiefly on water-fowl, 

 and in dry, sandy localities it will feed on small rodents and even on 

 snakes and other reptiles. In captivity the species is generally wild 

 and untameable, although, according to Loche, it is sometimes capable 

 of becoming remarkably docile and of living peaceably with other birds 

 of prey, provided there be no interference on the part of the latter with 

 its food supply. 



The same author relates a curious story of a pair of young BonelH's 

 Eagles, which were struck by lightning and killed before his eyes(Expl. 

 Scient. Alg. Ois. i, p. 31). 



The species, though distinctly a rock-nesting one, has been stated 

 by Loche and other ornithologists to nest occasionally in trees. In 

 South Tunisia, however, according to Erlanger, it invariably breeds 

 among rocks, choosing, as a rule, the highest and most inaccessible 

 mountain-ridges as a site for its eyrie, which is a flat structure com- 

 posed of dry sticks and twigs, and lined with Haifa-grass. In wooded 

 districts, however, fresh green branches and twigs are frequently 

 employed in the construction of the nest. The eggs, as a rule, are 

 two in number, and of a soiled white, slightly streaked and spotted 

 with rufous or brown ; their average measurements are about 

 70 X 52 mm., but they vary a good deal in size. Both sexes appear 

 to take part in the incubation of the eggs, and both have been found 

 on the nest at the same time, according to Colonel Irby, who gives 

 some excellent notes regarding the nesting of this Eagle at Gibraltar 

 (Orn. Strs. Gib., pp. 176-178). The species is an early breeder, 

 nesting operations sometimes commencing in January, and eggs being 

 laid in February and March. 



NISAETUS PENNATUS (Gmelin). 

 BOOTED EAGLE. 



Falco pennatus, Gmel. Sijst. Nat. i, p. 272 (1788). 

 Nlsaetus pennatus, Sharpe, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. i, p. 253. 

 leraetus pennatus, Loche, Expl. Set. Alg. Ois. i, p. 132 (1867). 

 Aquila pennata, Koenig, J. /. 0. 1888, p. 151 ; id. J. /. 0. 1892, p. 339. 



