38 THE OSPREY, OR FISHING-EAGLE. 



It is found in various parts of Europe and 

 America. It is, however, wide dispersed, and 

 was met with at Botany Island by Captain 

 Cook. It lives chiefly on fish ; its usual haunts 

 are by the sea shore; it also frequents the 

 borders of large lakes or rivers, and is said to 

 see so distinctly in the dark, as to be able to 

 pursue and catch its prey during the night. 

 The nest is built on the ground, among reeds, 

 and the female lays three or four white eggs, 

 which are rather smaller than a hen's. Fre- 

 quent contests take place between the Bald 

 Eagle and the Osprey ; the former endeavour- 

 ing to deprive the latter of the prey which it 

 has caught. 



