The Golden Eagle 



It does not chase its prey, but having marked them 

 down, pounces on them as they lie. 



In Ireland a few pairs still breed in the wilder parts of 

 the north and west, but elsewhere in our islands it is very 

 rarely seen, as it is not given to wandering far from its 

 accustomed haunts. In England it is exceedingly rare, 

 most of the reported occurrences being immature examples 

 of the next species. 



The general colour is a uniform dark brown, tawny on 

 the nape. Except in its larger size, the female resembles 

 the male. Young birds may be distinguished by the white 

 bases to the outer tail feathers. Length about 23 in.; 

 wing 24 in. 



THE WHITE-TAILED EAGLE 



Haliaetus albicilla (Linnaeus) 



This species, which was never common in any part of our 

 islands, is now only found as a breeding bird on a very 

 limited number of stations on the west coast of Ireland 

 and Scotland. In autumn immature birds are frequently 

 observed round our English coasts on their southward 

 migration. 



The nest is placed usually on an inaccessible crag by the 

 sea-shore, and is a vast accumulation of sticks and rubbish, 

 which is yearly augmented. The eggs are two in number 

 and dull white without any markings. The habits and food 

 are similar to the Golden Eagle, but it occasionally takes 

 fish, and feeds more readily on carrion 



205 



