THE OSPREY, OR FISHING-EAGLE 



THIS bird is nearly as large as the Golden 

 Eagle, measuring in length three feet and a 

 half, but its expanded wings do not reach above 

 seven feet. Its bill is large, much hooked, and 

 of a bluish colour : irides in some light hazel, 

 in others yellow : a row of strong bristly fea- 

 thers hangs down from its under bill next to its 

 throat, whence it has been termed the Bearded 

 Eagle : the top of the head and back part of 

 the neck are dark brown, inclining to black : 

 the feathers on the back are variegated by a 

 lighter brown, with dark edges ; the scapulars 

 are pale brown, the edges nearly white; the 

 breast and belly whitish, with irregular spots 

 of brown ; the tail feathers are dark brown, the 

 outer edges of the exterior feathers whitish; 

 the quill feathers and thighs are dusky; the 

 legs and feet yellow; the claws, which are 

 large and black, form a complete semicircle. 



(37) 



