BIRDS OF PREY EAGLES 1 03 



BIRDS OF PREY. 



These comprise eagles,, hawks (and allies), and owls; 

 the two former diurnal, the last nocturnal, in habits. 

 Eagles and hawks are at once recognized by their great 

 size, generally neutral coloring, frequent alternation of 

 flapping and sailing in flight, and erect attitude in perching. 

 They are generally silent, their occasional screams much 

 resembling that of the blue jay. The peculiar physiogno- 

 my of owls instantly identifies the class. Birds of prey are 

 ranked as non-migratory, though in several species this is 

 not strictly true, their movements northward and southward 

 being probably induced by the varying conditions of food- 

 supply. As a rule they are not gregarious. It has recently 

 been proved that this despised group of birds are, almost 

 without exception, far more beneficial than hurtful in nat- 

 ure's economy, their food being largely such animals as are 

 noxious to the farmer. 



EAGLES. 



275. BALD EAGLE. 



Dark brown. 



36. Heady neck, mid tail, white after 3d year, until then 

 uniformly colored ; ist year, very dark, somewhat white- 

 spotted ; 2d year, gray, and larger than ever after ! 



Throughout, permanent, on coast and along large inland waters ; 

 nest, on tree or crag; eggs, 2, whitish, unspotted; feeds chiefly on 

 fish. 



