ON EAGLES. 273 



even among scientific naturalists some making out two, 

 and others three distinct species. It has also been con- 

 founded with the bald-eagle of America, to which it bears 

 a close resemblance when both are young that is, before 

 the American is dignified with a grey head, and the erne 

 with a white train. These mistakes have been long ago 

 cleared up, and the bird distinctly traced through all its 

 maturing stages. 



The habits of the sea-eagle differ materially from those 

 of the golden. While the latter has its sole and grand 

 resort in the, Scottish mountains, the former has a very 

 discursive range. It is a constant winter visitant to the 

 Lowlands, and even as far as the south of England. I 

 lately saw a young one shot on the banks of the Thames, 

 and preserved by a bird-stuffer in Henley. 



In the islands and wilder sea-coasts of Scotland, the 

 erne may be met with the whole year, and is much less 

 rare than the national bird. It is also more shy, which 

 may perhaps be accounted for by its oftener coming in 

 contact with man, its most hated foe. 



A cursory glance will show how much more vulture- 

 shaped both the bill and body of the sea-eagle are than 

 those of the mountain one. She also partakes of the nature 

 of the vulture, in having a less dainty palate than the 

 golden-eagle, and, being not near so quick a game- 

 destroyer, is more apt to devour what she does not strike 

 down. Even carrion does not come amiss, especially in 

 winter. Young sea-fowl and flappers are a favourite 

 summer food, and when she builds inland, no more 



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