BIRDS OF PREY. Bald Eagle 



The white head feathers of this Eagle give it the name of 

 " Bald," which in reality, of course, it is not. It is called a 

 resident in Connecticut; but it is by no means common, 

 though a pair may usually be seen sailing over the marshes 

 some time between September and May. 



The white head identifies the fully grown bird beyond 

 question; but as it takes the young three years to perfect 

 their plumage, some confusion will arise. The feathers of 

 the first year are uniform dark brown, and the birds are 

 called Black Eagles. The second year they are known as 

 Gray Eagles, not earning the title of Bald until the third 

 year. Remember, however, that the Bald Eagle has its 

 claws and ankles unfeatJiered (while the other American 

 Eagle, the Golden, is feathered to the claws), and then 

 you will not confuse the species. 



The Bald-headed Eagle is a long-lived bird, of majestic 

 appearance, whose piercing voice can be heard above a wild 

 storm ; and for these qualities it was unfortunately chosen 

 as the emblem of our Republic, for its noble qualities are in 

 reality either wholly superficial or else imaginary. It is an 

 inveterate bully, obtaining a great part of its food by rob- 

 bing the Fish Hawk, while perfectly able to fish for itself ; 

 and though it has been known to carry off lambs and young 

 pigs, it has been vanquished in a fair fight by a rooster. 

 Preferring a fish diet, it will, however, eat any kind of 

 animal food, even devouring carrion. 



These Eagles are cowardly parents, but devoted as couples, 

 and their union, on the evidence of good authorities, appears 

 to be for life. They travel in pairs, and never in flocks, as 

 is the habit of Vultures. The female is not only the larger, 

 but the braver of the two birds, which fact, perhaps, led an 

 enthusiast in the latest Woman's Suffrage scrimmage to de- 

 clare that the Eagle on the United States coins is a female. 

 It certainly takes a very bold bird, indeed, to lend its coun- 

 tenance to our silver. 



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