574 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



on the back of the head. This latter feature, although general, is 

 not, however, common to all the species. 



These birds inhabit the forests of Africa and South America. 

 They are admirably organised for strife and slaughter, and are the 

 terror of all animal life in their neighbourhood. 



The Huppart (Falco ocdpitalis), thus named on account of its 

 huppe, or tuft, which is about six inches long, is a native of Africa, 

 and feeds on hares, ducks, and partridges. It also pursues crows, 

 for which it feels a deadly hatred, as these birds sometimes league 

 together to deprive it of its prey, and even to devour its brood. It 

 will not suffer any rival in its domain, but accords protection to small 

 birds which come near to its nest to seek a shelter from the attacks 

 of inferior birds of prey. 



The Brazilian Eagle or Urubitinga (Morphnus Urubitinga) f 

 inhabits Brazil and Guiana; it is eminently wild and taciturn, and 

 builds its nest in the vicinity of marshes. It feeds on birds, small 

 mammals, reptiles, and even fish. 



The Harpy or Crested Eagle (Harpy ia destructor, Fig. 264), is the 

 model species of the genus. It is the most formidable of the genus 

 Morphnus, for it is larger, measuring nearly five feet from the 

 extremity of the head to that of the tail ; its bill is more than two 

 inches in length ; and its claws and toes are longer and more robust 

 than the fingers of a man. It is rumoured that the Harpy does not 

 fear to attack carnivora of large size, and even men. Two or three 

 blows from its bill are sufficient to break its victim's skull. In order 

 to render these assertions worthy of belief they should be confirmed 

 by those who have enjoyed opportunities for observation. 



Be this as it may, there is no doubt that Harpies are endowed with 

 extraordinary strength. D'Orbigny relates that at the time of an 

 exploring expedition on the banks of the Rio Securia, in Bolivia, he 

 met with a Harpy of large size. The Indians who accompanied him 

 pursued it, pierced it with two arrows, and gave it numerous blows on 

 the head. At length, thinking it was dead, they plucked off the 

 greater part of its feathers, and even the down also, placing it 

 afterwards in their canoe. What was the surprise of the naturalist 

 when the bird, recovered from its stupefaction, darted upon him, and, 

 burying its claws in his arm, inflicted most dangerous wounds ! The 

 interference of the Indians was necessary in order to rid him of his 

 antagonist. 



The Harpy inhabits the great forests situated on the banks of the 

 rivers of South America. Its food consists of agoutis, fawns, sloths, 

 and especially monkeys. 



