210 



DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY. 



world like a pigeon or sparrow. After its bath, it resorts to the top of some tree, 

 or, along the banks of large rivers, to some craggy point, where it sits for a while 

 sunning itself, generally with its wings half outspread. Thence it flies off heavily 

 to seek a meal. A large fish near the surface attracts its attention, as it flies pretty 

 low over the river, down it swoops with more activity and rapidity than its habitual 

 demeanour and method of flight would lead one to expect, and strikes for a break- 



AFBICAN SEA-EAGLE (^ nat. size). 



fast, dashing its huge feet and long legs into the water right up to the body," 

 This action shows how adapted is the conformation of the bird to its mode of 

 life, as heavily feathered legs like those of the true eagles would become heavy 

 and bedraggled with water. The food of those birds is, however, by no means 

 confined to fish ; and they may frequently be seen on the larger Indian rivers 

 hawking for ducks, teal, and paddy-birds, while Mr. Hume states that they will 

 pursue and carry of such a large animal as a wounded wild goose, of which the 

 weight may be as much as seven pounds. Hutton, too, writes that he has often 



