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THE WHITE-HEADED EAGLE. 



Falco leucocephalus, Linn. 



PLATE XXXI. Male. 



The figure of this noble bird is well known throughout the civilized 

 world, emblazoned as it is on our national standard, which waves in the 

 breeze of every clime, bearing to distant lands the remembrance of a 

 great people Kving in a state of peaceful freedom. JNIay that peaceful 

 freedom last for ever ! 



The great strength, daring, and cool courage of the White-headed 

 Eagle, joined to his unequalled power of flight, render him highly conspi- 

 cuous among his brethren. To these qualities did he add a generous dis- 

 position towards others, he might be looked up to as a model of nobility. 

 The ferocious, overbearing, and tyrannical temper which is ever and 

 anon displaying itself in his actions, is, nevertheless, best adapted to his 

 state, and was wisely given him by the Creator to enable him to perform 

 the office assigned to him. 



To give you, kind reader, some idea of the nature of this bird, per- 

 mit me to place you on the Mississippi, on which you may float gently 

 along, while approaching winter brings millions of water-fowl on whistl- 

 ing wings, from the countries of the north, to seek a milder climate in 

 which to sojourn for a season. The Eagle is seen perched, in an erect 

 attitude, on the highest summit of the tallest tree by the margin of the 

 broad stream. His glistening but stern eye looks over the vast expanse. 

 He listens attentively to every sound that comes to his quick ear fromi 

 afar, glancing now and then on the earth beneath, lest even the light 

 tread of the fawn may pass unheard. His mate is perched on the oppo- 

 site side, and should all be tranquil and silent, warns him by a cry to 

 continue patient. At this well known call, the male partly opens his 

 broad wings, incUnes his body a little downwards, and answers to her 

 voice in tones not unlike the laugh of a maniac. The next moment, 

 he resumes his erect attitude, and again all around is silent. Ducks 

 of many species, the Teal, the Wigeon, the Mallard and others, are 

 seen passing with great rapidity, and following the course of the cur- 

 rent ; but the Eagle heeds them not : they are at that time beneath 

 I 



