86 BIRDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA 



to the toes. Under parts usually white the entire length; leg 

 feathers barred with brown; back and upper wing feathers red- 

 dish brown streaked with black; head and neck streaked with 

 black and white. The young are much darker. 



These birds are not abundant in South Dakota, and they 

 should never be killed, as they are very destructive of small ro- 

 dents and large insects. 



349. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos.) 



This Eagle is quite common in western South Dakota 

 though rare in the eastern part of the State during the winter. 

 It nests in the badlands and forest reserves. Length about three 

 feet ; plumage dark brown more or less mixed with light brown ; 

 head and back of neck grayish ; under side of wings and tail with 

 white spots, which increase in extent with age. 



The nest, which is built of sticks, is usually a bulky af- 

 fair, and is sometimes placed on a rock ledge or in a high tree. 

 The same pair will use the old nest with slight repairing year 

 after year. 



Eagles live on rodents, game birds, and even lambs. When 

 they become too numerous in a neighborhood they must be class- 

 ed as destructive. 



Among the North American Indians the tail feathers of 

 the Golden Eagle have always been considered a symbol of 

 power, either in war or the chase, consequently they have been 

 in great demand. One pony, or more if the feathers were nearly 

 white, was the price for a set of twelve. 



The Sioux Indians adopted a unique method of captur- 

 ing the Eagle. A pit was dug large enough for a brave to secrete 

 himself in. This was covered over with brush and grass to re- 

 semble the surrounding surface and a bait placed on the cover- 

 ing. When the Eagle alighted for his meal he was captured by 

 the occupant of the pit clutching his legs. Many are now caught 

 during the winter in the western part of the State in steel traps 

 set for wolves and coyotes. 



352. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus.) 



The Bald Eagle rarely nests in South Dakota, but is fre- 

 quently seen during the winter months. It is slightly smaller 

 than the Golden Eagle and the adults are easily distinguished 



