THE EAGLE-LIKE SUBFAMILY 



1973 



to seek a meal. A large fish near the surface attracts its attention, as it flies pretty 

 low over the river, down it swoops with more activity and rapidity than its habitual 

 demeanor and method of flight would lead one to expect, and strikes for a break- 

 fast, dashing its huge feet and long legs into the water right up to the body." 

 This action shows how adapted is the conformation of the bird to its mode of 

 life, as heavily-feathered legs like those of the true eagles would become heavy 



AFRICAN SEA EAGI,E. 



(One-fifth natural size.) 



and bedraggled with water. The food of those birds is, however, by no means 

 confined to fish; and they may frequently be seen on the larger Indian rivers 

 hawking for ducks, teal, and paddy birds, while Mr. Hume states that they will 

 pursue and carry off such a large animal as a wounded, wild goose, of which the 

 weight may be as much as seven pounds. Hutton, too, writes that he has often 

 watched one of these birds sitting on some dead tree on the river bank itself, 



