THE GOLDEN EAGLE. 65 



The GOLDEN EAGLE (Falco Chrysatlos) is among 

 the largest as well as the most powerful of birds. 

 Specimens have been found, measuring nearly four 

 feet in length, and about nine feet across the wings, 

 when they were fully extended. Specimens of much 

 larger dimensions have also been seen, one of which 

 was shot at Warkworth, measured eleven feet three 

 inches from the tip of the one wing to that of the 

 other, and weighed eighteen pounds. Probably large 

 specimens were more abundant formerly, when the 

 wild countries were left freer to their range than they 

 are now. The average dimensions may be taken at 

 three feet long, and seven feet and a half in expanse, 

 in the male ; and three feet and a half long, and eight 

 feet in expanse, in the female. This great extent of 

 wings, makes these when folded as long as the tail. 

 Considering its breadth and strength, the golden eagle 

 is not a very heavy animal, the average weight being w 

 about twelve pounds for the male, and fifteen for the 

 female. The figure is, however, compact, and the parts 

 admirably balanced ; and both the individual parts and 

 the general arrangement and symmetry, are indicative 

 of great strength. In order that the powerful muscles 

 and tendons by which the talons are moved may be 

 protected from the weather, the tarsi, or feet- bones of 

 the eagle are closely feathered, down to the very division 

 of the toes. The general colour of the toes, is yellow ; 

 they are defended above by horny plates, or scales, of 

 which there are only three on the last joint of each toe, 

 and they are furnished with talons, which are strong, 

 black, sharp, and very much hooked. So admirable is 

 the mechanism by which the toes and talons of the 



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