NATURAL HISTORY. 213 



ACCIPITEU. (Lot) 



Is isus (Lat. proper name), the Sparrow-hawk. 



inches. The fourth and fifth primary feathers are the longest. 

 It builds upon lofty trees, laying five eggs, of a whitish colour 

 blotched with variable reddish brown markings, usually collect- 

 ed towards the large end. 



THE SECRETARY BIRD. 



The SECRETARY BIRD derives its name from the tufts of 

 feathers at the back of its head, which bear a fanciful resem- 

 blance to pens stuck behind the ear. This extraordinary bird, 

 whose true position in ornithology has been such a stumbling- 

 block to naturalists, inhabits South Africa, Senegambia, and 

 the Philippine Islands. Probably a different species inhabits 

 each of these countries. It feeds on snakes and other reptiles, 

 of which it consumes an amazing number, and is on that ac- 

 caunt protected. When battling with a snake, it covers itself 

 with one wing as with a shield, and with the other strikes at 

 the reptile vintil it falls senseless, when a powerful blow from 



