112



Correspondence



GRIP OF A NEW-WORLD EAGLE

Sirs, — It may be of interest to mention that while touring the

Zoological Gardens some years ago—about 1909 — one of the keepers

told me that one of the stall had had a “ Harpy Eagle sit on his arm ! ”

when it was being removed from its travelling compartment into the

permanent cage in the Gardens.


As I knew him by sight I tried to find him to hear what it felt

like, but could not that day. Eight days after this I met him, arjd

pulling irp his sleeve he showed his forearm ; also a description of the

event was given me. There was no need to ask where the bird had

gripped him, because the positions where its toes had gripped were

at once seen by the black bruise marks cdl along the course of the toes.

It surprised me. It was clear on looking at that arm—a strong muscular

one — so bruised that the grip of this South American bird must be

terrifically strong when both feet are brought into action, and their

whole strength applied. The exact date I cannot give, but am of

opinion the bird referred to was the Harpy Eagle ( Thrasaetus harpyia)

mentioned on p. 55 of the report of the Council of Zoological Society for

1909 as presented by our member, Captain A. Pam, on 11th August

of that year in a collection from Venezuela.


Frederick D. Welch, M.R.C.S.



9th June, 1922.



