JlAlil'lAL EAGLE.— ,Sj)K(ic(MS bcllicosiis. 



Theee are many other examples of tlie genus A(|uila, the smallest of which is 

 the Booted Eagle {Aquila penndtd). 



This little bird is not larger than an ordinary falcon, for which, indeed, it might 

 be mistaken but for the lancet-shaped feathers in the head and neck, which plainly speak 

 of the Eagle. The general colour of this bird is dark brown ; a light yellowish-brown 

 stripe runs across the wings ; the abdomen is white, and the chest is also Mdiite, each 

 feather having a brown dash down its centre. The legs are thickly clothed or " booted " 

 with white feathers. The Booted Eagle is spread over a considerable portion of the world, 

 being found in many parts of Europe, as well as in A^a, which seems to be its natural 

 residence. It has, however, been known to build in Hungary, near the Cai-pathian moun- 

 tains, and makes annual migrations. It is not a very destructive bird, its food consisting 

 generally of small birds, rats and mice, bats, insects, and similar articles of diet. 



Of the genus Spizaetus, the Martial Eagle forms an excellent example. Tliis 

 handsome bird is a native of Southein Africa, where it was discovered by Le Vaillant. 

 The colour of this bird is dark brown, the feathers being paler at their edges ; the 



