THE LAUGHING FALCON. 



33 



There are are many other examples of the genus Aqnila, the smallest of which is the 

 Booted Eagle (Aquila ■penndta). 



This little bird is not larger than an ordinary falcon, for which, indeed, it might be mis- 

 taken but for the lancet-shaped feathers in the head and neck, which plainly speak of the 

 Eagle. The general color of this bird is dark brown ; a light yellowish-brown stripe runs 

 across the wings ; the abdomen is white, and the chest is also white, each feather having a 

 brown dash down its centre. The legs are thickly clothed or "booted'* with white feathers. 

 The Booted Eagle is spread over a considerable portion of the world, being found in many 

 parts of Europe, as well as in Asia, which seems to be its natural residence. It has, however, 

 been known to build in Hungary, near the Carpathian mountains, and makes annual migra- 

 tions. It is not a very destructive 

 bird, its food consisting generally 

 of small birds, rats and mice, bats, 

 insects, and similar articles of diet. 



Of the genus Spizaetus, the 

 Martial Eagle forms an excel- 

 lent example. This handsome bird 

 is a native of Southern Africa, 

 where it was discovered by Le 

 Vaillant. 



The color of this bird is dark 

 brown, the feathers being paler at 

 their edges ; the under surface is 

 whitish, the quills being black ; 

 the legs are paler and feathered t > 

 the toes. The name Spizaetus sig- 

 nifies "piping Eagle," and has 

 been given to this and several other 

 species on account of their pecu- 

 liar cry. Mixed with the rough, 

 barking scream of the ordinary 

 Eagles, there is a piercingly shrill 

 cry which can be heard at a very 

 great distance, even though the 

 bird be out of sight. The nest of 

 the Martial Eagle, or Geiffard, 

 as it is sometimes called, is rather 

 peculiar in its structure, being 

 composed of three distinct layers 

 of building materials. The first 

 layer is made with sticks, as is 

 usual among Eagles, and is of considerable dimensions. Upon this foundation is placed a 

 second layer of wood, moss, and roots, to the depth of twenty inches or two feet, and upon 

 this again is laid a quantity of little dry sticks, on which the eggs are laid. The eggs are two 

 in number, white, and very globular. 



The Martial Eagle is a bold, powerful, and rapacious bird, feeding mostly upon gazelles 

 and smaller African animals. In the particular locality which it frequents it reigns supreme, 

 and will not permit any other bird of prey to come within a considerable distance of the tree 

 or rock whereon its nest is built. Whilst flying, it permits its legs to hang downward. 



HP 



<7 



^ 



MARTIAL EAGLE. (Spizaetus bellicosus.) 



The curious bird which is called from its strange cry the Laughing Falcon, is a native 

 of Southern America, where it is found inhabiting the vicinity of marshes and swamps, in 

 which localities it finds the reptile food on which it chiefly subsists. It is also a keen fisher. 



Vol. II.- 



