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Economic Status. Of 15 stomachs examined, 1 contained game; 5, 
mammals; 9, fish; and 2, carrion. In examining these data it is observ- 
able that the 6 stomachs containing mammals and game are winter 
specimens and, except one, were taken at a distance from water. Had the 
natural breeding and summer grounds of the Bald Kagle been the source 
of the specimens here studied, the mammals and game would probably 
have been replaced by fish, for this forms the great bulk of its food. The 
food is taken in various ways. The bird dives for fish in true Osprey 
manner when necessary, but it usually picks them up dead from the shore 
or, where Ospreys are common, takes the fish from them by force. To do 
this it pursues and badgers the successful fisher until the prize is dropped, 
which by a lightning-like swoop is caught in the air and carried away in 
triumph. It is, as a rule, hardly equal to the capture of the quicker birds, 
but wounded or hurt ducks or game are eagerly picked up from the marshes. 
When opportunity offers the Bald Eagle eats offal without compunction. 
It will be seen that Bald Eagles in reasonable numbers cannot be any 
great menace to mankind. Poultry is rarely touched. The fish they take 
is only a bagatelle, being mostly waste or surplus from a great abundance. 
Their scavenging is actively beneficial and they should be encouraged rather 
than repressed. 
FAMILY—FALCONIDA. FALCONS AND CARACARAS. 
The Family Falconide consists of two subfamilies, the True Falcons 
Falconine and the Caracaras Polyborine. The last named subfamily is 
of southern distribution and only one Caracara has been taken in Canada. 
Subfamily—Falconine. True Falcons. 
The Falcons were known to the old falconers as the Noble or Long- 
winged Birds of Prey and, on account of their great spirit, strength, and 
address, were the chosen birds for use in hunting. Their long wings give 
them great speed and their endurance permits them to maintain it. They 
are bold and strong and capture their prey by sudden swoops when possible, 
but unlike the Accipiters are not discouraged when their stroke misses. 
Their first object is to rise above the prey, which they do by means of a 
long spiral climb. Once above their prey they drop like a bullet upon it 
striking with their powerful talons as they do so. 
The flight of the Falcons is quite recognizable, quick strokes with 
pointed wings and with very little sailing. Seen in the hand, the upper 
mandible furnished with a tooth (F igure 33a, p. 23) will always separate 
the Falcons from other Hawks. Fortunately, none but the smallest and 
most harmless of the subfamily is common within cultivated areas and 
those that size makes important are either very rare or are confined to the 
far north where their depredations can do the husbandman no harm. 
Even those that do occur occasionally about cultivation are generally wild 
and wary enough to keep away from the immediate vicinity of habitation. 
GYRFALCONS. 
General Description. Large falcons 20 to 22 inches in length, usually of very white 
eoloration. Their large size distinguishes these birds from all others of the subfamily. 
57172—93 
