RAPACIOUS BIRDS. 55 



strong, and endures for a lengthened period ; 

 probably, through life. The pair are always seen 

 in company, or but at a short distance from each 

 other ; and they often unite their exertions in the 

 pursuit of prey. 



We have two British species,* belonging to the 

 first, or aquiline branch of the Falcons. That 

 noble bird, the GOLDEN EAGLE, one of the most power- 

 ful and the model of his race, is one of these. 

 But it is very rare, and dwells only in the wild 

 parts of our land. It is chiefly confined to Scotland, 

 and its western and northern islands ; and speci- 

 mens of it have been found in Ireland. Even in 

 the Highlands it is by no means common, and it 

 is constantly becoming more scarce. 



Its eyrie, or nest, is confined to the most wild 

 and inaccessible places of the Grampians. This 

 cradle for the young broods is placed on some 

 ledge or shelf of a lofty rock, and requires a space 

 of several feet square of surface, for the collection 

 of strong sticks and roots of trees and heather, of 

 which it is composed. 



The female bird, which is (as before said) con- 

 siderably larger than the male, lays two, sometimes 

 three eggs white, with pale brown, or purple 

 spots. The young eaglets are watched, defended 



* A third the Spotted Eagle has been once killed in 

 Ireland. 



