188 



Birds. 



THE SEA EAGLE. (Haliaetus atbitilla.} 



THIS bird, known also as the White-tailed Eagle, from 

 the inside feathers of its tail being white, differs from 

 the golden eagle in the greater length of its beak, in its 

 sluggish and cowardly habits, and in its coarser taste. It 

 is a native of Great Britain, where it inhabits the high 

 rocks and cliffs that overhang the sea, and whence it 

 pounces on the birds, fish, or seals that it can procure for 

 its prey. It is smaller than the golden eagle, rarely 

 reaching three feet in length ; and in young birds the 

 tail feathers are brown. 



