4 AMERICAJ^ ORNITHOLOGY. 



HABITS. 



What pulse does not beat more rapidly at the sight ot an Eagle, as in 

 his majestic flight, he executes circle after circle and finally vanishes 

 from view without an apparent beat of his immense wings. From child- 

 hood, we have had related to us, stories of the strength and daring of 

 these grand birds, and although some of them are probably rudely shat- 

 tered, still we always retain a wholesome respect for the bird that has 

 gained so great renown. 



The variety best known to the Ariierican people, especially those near 

 the coast, is the Bald Eagle. It must not be supposed that this magni- 

 ficent bird of prey is in reality bald. This name was given him as, at 

 a distance, it appears as if he might be in that unfortunate predicament. 

 In reality his head is covered with snow white feathers, and "White- 

 headed Eagle," a name that is often given to him, is much more appro- 

 priate. The young birds of this species are of a uniform dark brown 

 color, but after the third year of their existence, their head and tail be- 

 come pure white, a change that comes remarkably early considering 

 that their natural life is nearly a hundred years. It seems strange at 

 first thought that the young birds should be larger than the old ones, but 

 such is the case. As they grow older, the muscles become hardened by 

 usage and gradually contract so that the adult bird will measure several 

 inches less in extent than he did in his youth. This fact, together with 

 the great change in coloration, gave rise to the former impression that 

 the old and young were two distinct species. 



This proud monarch of the air is also our national bird and his por- 

 trait adorns several of our coins. He was selected because of his im- 

 posing aspect, size, strength and daring. Some have accused him of 

 cowardice, because often crows or smaller birds will apparently drive 

 him away, but it is a mistake on their part. In all probability, he acts 

 on the same principle as the man who is hectored by small boys. Until 

 they become too impudent, he disdains to notice them. 



Many a neighborhood boasts of its pair of Eagles, and so attached to 

 them do the country folks become, that they would as soon think of 

 making war upon each other as to harm them. It is well that popular 

 sentiment protects them thus or they would soon all be destroyed. 



In their home life. Eagles are much devoted to each other and remain 

 mated for life, using the same nest year after year, unless robbed. Their 

 food consists of flesh, either fresh or decomposed. They are found much 

 more commonly near the sea coast than in the interior, and they have 

 the requisite speed and strength to capture many species of ducks and 

 water birds. Their chief food, however, is fish. This they get in sev- 

 eral ways. They sometimes dive for them in the manner of the Osprey, 



