THE BALD EAGLE. 



291 



it was incapable of retaliation, actually struck it while on the wing. 

 The Osprey kept quietly on its way, but was so wearied by the re- 

 peated attacks of the crow that when pursued and pursuer had van- 

 ished out of sight, the poor Osprey had not been able to commence his 

 repast. 



The general color of the Osprey is dark brown, but it is pleasingly 

 variegated with various shades of black, gray, and white. The crown 

 of the head and the nape ot the neck are covered with long gray-white 

 feathers, streaked with dark brown. The under surface of the body is 

 white, with the exception of a light-brown band which extends across 

 the chest. The primaries are brown tipped with black, and the tail is 

 barred above with a light and a deep brown, and below with brown and 

 white. The legs, toes, and cere are blue, the eyes golden yellow, and 

 the beak and claws black. 



The noble bird which is represented below is celebrated as being 

 the type which has been chosen by the Americans as the emblem of 

 their nation. 



The name of Bald or White-headed Eagle has been applied to 

 this bird on account of the snowv-white color, of the head and neck — 



The Bald or White-headed Eagle {Haiiaetus Leucocephalus). 



a peculiarity which renders it a most conspicuous bird when at large in 

 its native land. The remainder of the body is a deep chocolate brown, 

 inclining to black along the back. The tail and upper tail-coverts are 

 of the same white hue as the head and neck. In its earlier stages of 

 existence the creature is of more sombre tints, not obtaining the beauti- 

 fully white head and tail until it is four years of age. 



The nest of the Bald Eagle is generally made upon some lofty tree, 

 and in the course of years becomes of very great size, as the bird is in 



