LAUGHING FALCON. Herpetdtheres cachinnans. 



under surface is whitish, the quills being black ; the legs are paler and feathered to the 

 toes. The name Spizaetus signifies "piping Eagle," and has been given to this and several 

 other species on account of their very peculiar cry. Mixed with the rough, barking 

 scream of the ordinary Eagles, there is a piercingly shrill cry which can be heard at a 

 very great distance, even though the bird be out of sight. The nest of the Martial Eagle, 

 or GEIFFAED, as it is sometimes called, is rather peculiar in its structure, being composed 

 of three distinct layers of building materials. The first layer is made with sticks, as is 

 usual among Eagles, and is of considerable dimensions. Upon this foundation is placed 

 a second layer of wood, moss, and roots, to the depth of twenty inches or two feet, and 

 upon this again is laid a quantity of little dry sticks, on which the eggs are laid. The 

 eggs are two in number, white, and very globular. 



The Martial Eagle is a bold, powerful, and rapacious bird, feeding mostly upon gazelles 

 and smaller African animals. In the particular locality which it frequents it reigns 

 supreme, and will not permit any other bird of prey to come within a considerable distance 

 of the tree or rock whereon its nest is built. Whilst flying, it permits its legs to hang 

 downward. 



