196 BIRDS 



softer material than the bulk of the structure is composed of. 

 When such things existed on the plains, the ribs and smaller 

 bones of the buffalo were used in the construction of the 

 nest, often forming a large part of it. The eggs, which 

 are usually three or four in number, are deposited in IVIay, 

 and by the middle of July the young are ready to leave 

 the nest." 



When in flight or at rest, it is readily distinguished from 

 the more common American rough-legged hawk by the 

 pure white of the plumage on the underside of the body. 



GOLDEN EAGLE 



The legs of this great bird are densely feathered down 

 to the base of the toes, distinguishing it from our bald 

 eagle. The Golden Eagles are occasionally recorded dur- 

 ing the winter months in the Great Lakes region. Like 

 the snowy owl and raven, they appear in the central United 

 States only when the earth is covered with snow. At this 

 time of the year food is scarce, and formerly many fell 

 victims of the trappers wliile stealing bait. 



Golden eagles are common winter residents in the foot- 

 hills of Nebraska and South Dakota, where they feed on 

 jack-rabbits and also smaller rodents. They are useful 

 birds, though they do destroy some birds and game. Gen- 

 erally speaking, these birds are silent. AVhen the nesting- 

 site is approached, the golden eagle retreats without pro- 

 test and remains at a safe distance until the trespasser has 

 departed. 



Mountainous regions are most frequented by golden 



