250 VERTEBRATA. AVES. 



The Fisher Eagles (Ifaliaetus)* are scarcely if at 

 all inferior to these in size and strength ; and though 

 their appetite inclines them to feed chiefly upon fish, 

 yet this diet is occasionally varied with more solid 

 animal food. The large and interesting bird which 

 the Americans have chosen as the emblem of their 

 young and vigorous republic, the White-headed, or, 

 as it is usually called by them, the Bald Eagle 

 (H. Leucocephalus)^ is a fair specimen of the genus. 

 Its oppressive abuse of superior might in robbing 

 its weaker but more industrious relative, the Fish- 

 hawk (If. Ossifragus)^ of the fish which he has caught, 

 are beautifully and even sublimely sketched by 

 Wilson, in a passage which can never be too often 

 quoted : " In procuring " his prey, " he displays in a 

 very singular manner the genius and energy of his 

 character, which is fierce, contemplative, daring, and 

 tyrannical ; attributes not exerted but on particular 

 occasions; but, when put forth, overpowering all 

 opposition. Elevated on the high dead limb of some 

 gigantic tree, that commands a wide view of the 

 neighbouring shore and ocean, he seems calmly to 

 contemplate the motions of the various feathered 

 tribes that pursue their busy avocations below ; the 

 snow-white Gulls slowly winnowing the air ; the busy 

 Tringa coursing along the sands ; trains of Ducks 

 streaming over the surface ; silent and watchful 

 Cranes, intent and wading ; clamorous Crows ; and 



* *AA.j, hals, the sea, and aaros, aefos, an eagle. 



t Aivxos, leucos, white, and xi$a.>.y>, kephale, the head. 



J Ab ossibus frangendis, PL IN. from breaking bones. 



