578 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1917. 



size. Another eagle found in the United States, but with an exten- 

 sive Old World distribution as well, is the golden eagle (Aquila 

 chrysaetos). It is a fine species, distinguished from the bald eagle 

 in any plumage by the feathered legs. 



A number of exotic eagles and vultures, some of which are of great 

 size, share this cage with the American eagles. The lammergeier 

 ( Gypaetus barbatus) , or bearded vulture, is a large species connect- 

 ing in many features the eagles with the vultures. It is a native of the 

 higher mountains of Europe, north Africa, and Asia, and many tales 

 of its boldness and strength have been told. The griffon vulture 

 (Gyps fulvus) and the cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) are 

 two conspicuous Old World species kept in this cage. During the 

 early spring months the griffon vultures become very savage and 

 sometimes attack their cage mates — even the eagles are made to suf- 

 fer on these occasions unless the griffons are removed from the cage. 

 Two specimens of the handsome wedge-tailed eagle (Uroaetus 

 audax) of Australia are kept in this cage. Because it eats the poi- 

 soned meat-baits thrown out by the ranchers to destroy the wild dogs, 

 this characteristic Australian bird is said to be rapidly diminishing 

 in numbers, and is in danger of extermination. 



INTERESTING RAFTORES IN THE BIRD HOUSE. 



Several interesting specimens of eagles and vultures are to be seen 

 in the bird house. The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a 

 peculiar African type with long legs, tail, and wings, and a crest of 

 elongated feathers at the back of the head. In appearance it is very 

 crane-like ; and is expert in the killing of snakes, lizards, and small 

 mammals. 



The harpy eagle (Thrasaetos harpyia) is a tropical American spe- 

 cies famous for its strength and spectacular appearance. It is a large 

 species with a long, barred tail, a fine crest, an enormous beak, and 

 powerful feet. It is said to kill fawns, monkeys, and peccaries. The 

 park is proud of its record in having kept a fine specimen of this bird 

 for 18 years. The crowned hawk-eagle (Splzaetus coronatus) is a 

 handsome west African species. 



The caracara (PoJyborus cheriway) or " carrion hawk " is common 

 in parts of tropical America and ranges northward to Florida. 

 Other related species are known from South America. 



Various North American and exotic hawks are also on exhibition. 

 The red-tailed hawk (Buteo borealis) is one of the common species of 

 the United States which, with other kinds, is nrich persecuted as a 

 " chicken hawk." As a matter of fact this bird rarely kills chickens 

 and is an industrious destroyer of noxious rodents. One of the 

 smaller species shown is the sparrow hawk (Falco sparveriios) a 



