FAMILY FALCONID.E ; EAGLES. 



403 



Falcons, it is generally straight for a greater or less distance 

 from its base (the part where it is attached to the skull). 

 Although the Falcons are the strongest and most courageous of 

 the whole order, in proportion to their size, yet it is in this 

 division of the FALCONID^E that we find the largest and most 

 powerful species. 



369. The Eagles, which are distinguished by the feathering 

 of the tarsi down to the very base of the claws, are pre-eminent 

 in this division of the family, 

 for size and boldness. The 

 species represented in Fig. 

 210, is an inhabitant of our 

 own country ; it is now re- 

 stricted to the mountainous 

 parts of the North of Eng- 

 land, Scotland, and Ireland ; 

 but it is more abundant on 

 the Continent of Europe, 

 where it does not confine 

 itself to the mountainous 

 districts, but, in level coun- 

 tries, frequents extensive 

 forests. It is also found in 

 Asia ; and it inhabits North 

 America, from the temperate 

 to the arctic regions; so 

 that it is among the most 

 widely-spread of all species of Birds. It is everywhere regarded 

 as an emblem of might and courage. In ancient times, it was 

 deemed worthy to be regarded as the companion of the gods, 

 the constant associate of Jupiter himself; and it is still regarded 

 as the "King of Birds," holding that rank amongst the feathered 

 creation, which is assigned to the Lion among Beasts. This dis- 

 tinction has probably been conferred upon it, not merely on 

 account of its size, strength, and courage; but also from its 

 habit of soaring to a great height in the sky, and of its frequent- 

 ing localities which have a great deal of wild grajideur and rude 



FIG. 210. GOLDEN EAGLE. 



