ON ORNITHOLOGY. 



431 



single nest. I only observed one paired couple, and they 

 were probably still employed in building. 



I will, in conclusion, give the measurements of three 

 Spotted Eagles killed in one district, as it may be interesting 

 to compare them with those of Aquila clanga, Aquila nipa- 

 lensis, and other specimens of ncevia from various localities. 



The Pygmy Eagle (^Aquila pennata) , though apparently a 

 feeble little fellow, is a noble eagle from top to toe. It has 

 undeniably been less observed than any of our Central Euro- 

 pean birds of prey, and is therefore still very imperfectly 

 known. All parts of our native land, excepting the Alpine 

 regions, come within its range, and it may be found in most 

 of the districts of Central Europe, but is nowhere common. 

 It demands quiet and large woods, for immunity from all 

 disturbance and the pursuit of man are more necessary to it 

 than to many other raptorial birds. All the facts connected 

 with its existence plainly show how easily it falls a prey to 

 mankind, and this is the reason why we find it quite common 

 in the extensive woods of Hungary, Poland, Kussia, the 

 Principalities of the Danube, Turkey and Spain, but already 

 rare in the western provinces of Austria, and in Germany and 

 France. It still, however, occurs in all tracts of country 

 which gratify its demands, and if scarce has still nowhere 

 entirely disappeared. Plenty of practice, perseverance, and 

 good eyesight are the only requisites for the detection and 

 observation of the Pygmy Eagle in our woods. 



