146 ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 



are the combined characters that distinguish the true 

 Eagles from the Vultures, Falcons, and other birds of 

 prey, as well as from their more immediate affinities in 

 the tribe to which they belong. Among the latter the 

 birds in question are at once recognised as being the 

 only long-winged Eagles whose legs are plumed com- 

 pletely down to the toes. 



In the genus Aquila, as thus limited by M. Savigny, 

 are comprehended some of the largest and most destruc- 

 tive species of the Raptorial Order. Inhabiting the 

 most movmtainous districts, and building their aiery 

 either in clefts of the rocks or on the summits of the 

 trees, they sweep the country round in search of the 

 living animals on which they prey. Strictly monoga- 

 mous in their amours, each nest is occupied by a single 

 couple and their mutual progeny ; and, except diu'ing 

 the time of incubation, the male and female constantly 

 pursue their game in company, so that they are almost 

 always seen flying in pairs. Their flight is swift and 

 powerful ; they mount to an exceedingly lofty pitch, 

 from which they descend upon their victim with over- 

 whelming rapidity, and bear it off in their talons, if it 

 be not too heavy, to their nest. In their attacks they 

 frequently select such animals as are capable of making- 

 some resistance ; not, however, as has been absurdly 

 stated, from any principle of magnanimity, but solely 

 because their love of rapine impels them to grasp at 

 the larger in preference to the smaller prey. Their 

 sight is extremely piercing, but on the other hand their 

 smell is reduced to a very low degree of developement. 

 When the female is sitting the male provides her with 

 sufficient food ; and after the yoimg are hatched both 

 parents share in the task of their education. As soon, 

 however, as the young become capable of seeking their 



