212 



DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY, 



with its inferior coverts, is chestnut-maroon, like the back ; the under surface 

 of the wings being mainly grey and white. The cere and naked skin in front 

 of the eyes, together with the feet, are of a deep coral-red, while the iris is brown, 

 and the beak black. Such are the striking colours of the ordinary form of the 

 bateleur eagle, although individuals have been obtained in which the chestnut- 

 maroon of the back is replaced by creamy fulvous. Such birds have been regarded 

 as representing a distinct species, but it is suggested by Dr. Sharpe that they may 



BATELEUR EAGLE Q- Hat. size). 



prove to be the fully adult condition of the ordinary form. The females attain a 

 length of 25, and the males of about 21 inches. Visitors to the eagle-house in the 

 Zoological Society's Gardens in Regent's Park may perhaps think that we have 

 exaggerated the colour of the cere and face in the bateleur eagle, as they will find 

 these in the captive birds of a pale orange-yellow tint. This fading is, however, 

 solely due to the effects of captivity ; the same change showing itself in captive 

 specimens of the Accipitrines known as caracaras. The bateleur eagle is a common 

 bird in many parts of Africa, preferring mountains to plains, and generally 



