26 BIRDS OF PREY. 



I will take this opportunity of protesting against the perpetua- 

 tion of an idea, still current, which originated with the older writers, 

 concerning the "nobility" of the FalconidcE, under which family 

 name are grouped the Eagles, Falcons, Kites, and Hawks. They 

 were until quite recently classed among the first of the feathered 

 race ; but the systematists now place them below the Woodpeckers, 

 and next above the Grouse and Pigeons. 



The majority of the Falcoiiidce have an attractive physique and 

 superior strength, as well as a haughty bearing. They are hand- 

 some, stalwart ruffians, but they are nothing more. They are 

 neither the most intelligent nor most enterprising of birds, nor the 

 bravest. They are not even the swiftest, or most dexterous on the 

 wing ; and in bearing, proudly as they carry themselves, are not 

 supreme. 



It is now considered probable that the tales of Eagles carrying 

 off children are myths. 



GRAY SEA EAGLE. 



white-tailed eagle. 

 Halleetus albicilla. 



Char. General color, grayish-brown (paler on margin of feathers); 

 head and neck gray, — paler in old birds ; tail white ; legs bare. 



Length : male, t^t, inches ; female, 38 inches. 



Nest. In a tree or on a rock, sometimes on the ground ; made of dry 

 sticks loosely arranged and often piled to considerable height. 



Eggs. 1-3 (usually 2); dull white; 2.85 X 2.25. 



Mr. Hagerup reports that this European bird breeds in southern 

 Greenland and is quite common there. It feeds principally on fish, 

 but will eat any kind of meat or carrion, being particularly partial 

 to water fowl, and is much more enterprising than is its congener, 

 the Bald Eagle. 



