(dor) 
prominent difference between these two groups. They differ a good 
deal in habits and in other minor respects. 
Both serpent and sea eagles can be considered, more birds of the 
plains. However the Osprey has strong claims to the Himalayas. 
(v) SEA-EAGLES or FISHING EAGLES 
(40) PaANDION HALtAiirus, Osprey, is 26 ins. in length (female), 
male 23% ins. ; above, the plumage is brown ; quills dark ; tail pale in 
colour with dark bars, a little white showing occasionally ; head and 
nape white, dark brown stripes on the crown ; dark stripe on either 
side of the face, from the eyes over the ear coverts ; under parts of 
the body white ; breast spotted ; irides bright yellow ; legs and feet 
with a bluish tinge. 
I know not why this Osprey (Pandion) reminds me of the old 
legend of Loch-en-eilan (Scotland)—predicting the forsaking of these 
eagles, of their time honored nesting places on the pines about the 
old ruined castle of Rothiemurchus. Then returning once more to 
build as of yore, when a certain curse had been (heing removed) 
fulfilled :-— 
When the eagles leave their nests 
On castled Rothiemurchus’ breast, 
When five times thirty years have run 
Since Danald’s deed of shame was done ; 
Then sing aloud the roundelay 
Fide et Fortitudine ” ete. 
Sup-FAMILY BUTEONINA, ( Buzzards, Harriers and Kites) 
Show us that we are approaching a decided decline in Aquiline 
qualifications, both in build and daring. The bill of these birds is 
weak and small ; tarsus long ; feet and hind toe short and only used 
for gripping. The hind toe and claw, which we observed in the 
hawks and true eagles to be strong and powerful and chiefly used in 
dealing a “strike out” blow at their prey. Taking these natural 
defects into account, it is not surprising that these eagles are less 
daring and rapacious than the foregoing members of this Natural 
Order. These birds generally perch on low branches, usually they 
are on the look out for small mammals, lizards and frogs, or at a 
push they don’t turn up their noses at carrion, or the labours of 
their more successful brethern. 
Harriers, are distinguished from the former eagles by their large 
bristles, cere, and the lower part of the face having a ruff of small 
feathers, a sort of disc, which is met with in the owls; the tail is 
long. These birds are further like the owls in having soft downy 
