EAGLES AND HAWKS 169 



From two to three eggs are laid, chalky-white in colour, and 

 they measure about 3.62 x 2.31 inch. 



The Pelican is a mighty fisherman ; living only on fish. With 

 his long boat-shaped furrowed bill he catches the fish in plenty, 

 stowing them away in his basket, an enormous pouch in the 

 lower jaw, which is drawn up when the bird is at rest, but is 

 capable of enormous distension so as to carry a big catch. The 

 feet are widely webbed, all the toes being connected, as in the 

 Cormorants, to form a powerful paddle. The wings are large 

 and strong, so that the birds are able to travel great distances 

 and to reach the lakes of the interior. The "Pelican of the 

 Wilderness" occurs in Australia as in Sj^ria. In the early days 

 they were so plentiful in the interior that Captain Sturt 

 recorded that he found the channel of a river from 70 to 80 

 yards broad literally covered with Pelicans, and that they were 

 in such numbers on the Darling as to be quite dazzling to the 

 eye. 



Oedee Accipitriformes. Eagles and Hawks. 



Bill strong, stout at the base, the tip bent at right angles. 

 Feet strong, armed with powerful talons. With no facial disc. 

 Plumage compact. 



There are no Australian Vultures, and Eagles and Hawks are 

 rather poorly represented. Kites, Harriers and Goshawks are 

 more abundant. The females are larger birds than the males. 



Sub-order Accipitres. 

 Outer toe not reversible. 



Family Falconidce. 

 The head is covered with feathers, true feathers being always 

 present on the crown. 



Key to Sub-families. 



Tibia and tarsus equal. Accipitrinaa. 



Tibia longer than tarsus. 



a. Hinder aspect of- tarsus plated. Buteoninse. 



b. Hinder aspect of tarsus with reticulate 



scales. Aquilinse. 



