P4ND1ON. 179 



pact and firm than that of the Golden Eagle, and 

 when at rest it appears more sluggish, from the 

 greater coverts being brought forward and kept 

 in a hanging position over the quills, covering the 

 thighs and a portion of the side of the bird.* 



From these two noble birds we pass to the true 

 Fishing Eagles, the British form of which is seen in 

 the genus Pandion or Osprey^ where the adaptation 

 of structure to the habits of the birds is beautifully 

 displayed. They subsist entirely by their own 

 exertions, watching for and pursuing fish, with as 

 much avidity as the true Eagles hunt their game 

 on the land or in the air. Taking the common 

 Osprey as typical, we perceive a form strong and 

 compact, the head small, the wings very long and 

 powerful, and sharp pointed ; but the tail is short 

 and square, being only an assistant in balancing 

 the bird when surveying the water beneath, swift 

 evolutions, or rapid turnings, forming no part of 

 its style of hunting. The prey is seized in the 

 water, struck by the feet of the bird> and these 

 members, with the tarsi, are short and remarkably 

 powerful. The toes and claws are perfect grasp- 



* In spring I have seen the White Tailed Eagle appa- 

 rently paired with Osifragus, arid I have reason to believe 



that they breed together J. V. Stewart, Esq. Loudon'a 



Mag. of Nat. Hist. v. p. 580 



