ON ORNITHOLOGY, 451 
single nest. I only observed one paired couple, and they 
were probably still employed in building. 
I will, in conclusion, give the measurements of three 
Spotted Eagles killed in one district, as it may be interesting 
to compare them with those of Aquila clanga, Aquila nipa- 
lensis, and other specimens of neevia from various localities. 
Length. | Breadth. | Wing. | Tail. | Beak. | Tarsus. |Middle toe. 
em. em. cm. em, cm. cm, em, 
i, | Os aa eee 93 | 52) 93 Eos 
I] 63 | 1645 | 493 | 24 | 5 9:5 fe 
5) 
S| “65:8h 1) 62:68 1) 47-2 2A | Ae | 10 a2 
The Pygmy Eagle (Aquila pennata), though apparently a 
feeble little fellow, is a noble eagle from top to toe. It has 
undeniably been less observed than any of our Central Huro- 
pean birds of prey, and is therefore still very imperfectly 
known. All parts of our native land, excepting the Alpine 
regions, come within its range, and it may be found in most 
of the districts of Central Hurope, but is nowhere common, 
It demands quiet and large woods, for immunity from all 
disturbance and the pursuit of man are more necessary to it 
than to many other raptorial birds. All the facts connected 
with its existence plainly show how easily it falls a prey to 
mankind, and this is the reason why we find it quite common 
in the extensive woods of Hungary, Poland, Russia, the 
Principalities of the Danube, Turkey and Spain, but already 
rare in the western provinces of Austria, and in Germany and 
France. It still, however, occurs in all tracts of country 
which gratify its demands, and if scarce has still nowhere 
entirely disappeared. Plenty of practice, perseverance, and 
good eyesight are the only requisites for the detection and 
observation of the Pygmy Hagle in our woods. 
