1873.] W. E. Brooks -On Aqtiila Ufasciata. 147 



I sent a fine series of our Indian Aqiiila liastata to tlie Norwich Mu- 

 seum. Mr. Anderson also sent one example in mature plumage. 



Besides these we sent others to ornithological friends. I hear from 

 Messrs. Gurney and Dresser, that the adult plumage of this species is not 

 to he distinguished from that of the small Pomeranian spotted Eagle which 

 tliey term the true Aquila iicevia. 



They assert, however, that though the adults are alike, the immature 

 birds differ. 



This is a point for further investigation, but the perfect accordance of 

 the adults leads me to expect the same in the immature birds. The con- 

 nection between the immature and the adult is the first point to be estab- 

 lished, and this can only be done b}'- the field naturalist. 



One of my ornithological friends informs me that the immature of A, 

 orientalis (which we have shewn is A. hifasciata), has spotted plumage like 

 that of A. ncGvia ; another friend informs me he has received the immature 

 bird, and it " is strangely like A. hifasciata .'" Now the latter eagle is not 

 spotted, and the " doctors," who are both men of repute, " diff'er." 



These points will all be cleared up it is to be hoped before long ; and 

 we shall perhaps have the natural history of the Eagles as clear and as cor- 

 rect as that of the common Kook, with little or nothing else to be learned. 

 At present the Eagles appear to be in a state of dire confusion, which the 

 English naturalists are daily making worse.* 



* Since the foregoing was written, Capt G. F. L. Marshall, who is much 

 interested in this subject, came and examined the series used. He fully concurred in 

 the identification of A. orientalis with A. hifasciata, and was even more positive than 

 I was that the Danzic killed Aquila hastata was indeed that species. It will be 

 remembered, it was sent to me labelled " A. nceviaj' My English Ornithological friends 

 with whom I communicated are incredulous regarding my identifications, and I, 

 therefore, refer to my friend's corroboration. If all fails to convince them I shall have 

 the sex'ies exhibited at a meeting of the Zool. Society. 



