84 THE GOLDEN EAGLE AND OTHEK BIEDS OF PEEY. 



In China the golden eagle is found all over Shansi, especially in the 

 mountainous parts and throughout Shensi and Kansu. It is very 

 common in Mongolia, where it nests on the ground, there being, as a 

 rule, neither cliff nor tree. In other places it builds its nest high up 

 on rocky cliffs. The female, which is larger and fiercer than the male, 

 usually lays two eggs. The young when hatched are covered with soft, 

 white down. They grow very rapidly and can fly in August. Some- 

 times the parent birds commence nesting very early in the year. 



When attacking its prey the eagle uses its talons, striking and 

 clutching as it swoops down upon its victim. The beak is only used 

 for rending after the animal is killed. In Central Asia this bird is 

 used to kill large quadrupeds and birds. It, will strike down a fox or 

 antelope. 



Golden eagles make good pets, though they want careful handling, 

 and must be given plenty of space — the more the better. They are 

 best when taken young, for then they do not try to escape as older 

 birds do, nor does one feel so bad about depriving them of their 

 liberty. They can be fed on scraps of raw meat, and should not be 

 given too much. Six ounces a day is ample. I have frequently had 

 young ones in my possession, but have usually ended up by setting them 

 at liberty. Of two I once had, one became quite docile, the other, how- 

 ever, remaining fierce and intractable. When I approached the latter 

 it would fly at me and strike with its claws, which it once succeeded 

 in burying in my forearm. 



One in my possession now I picked up in ]\Iongolia. It is quite 

 tame and will feed from the hand, though it does not like to be handled. 

 One evening a cat got into its cage to steal its meat. With a scream of 

 fury the eagle pounced upon the thief, and but for timely interference 

 would have killed it. 



In the wild state the golden eagle is not easily approached, except 

 where it is very plentiful. It feeds upon hares, birds, small rodents and 

 carrion. In some places the last mentioned seems to be its chief diet. 

 I have frequently seen eagles feeding ujion the corpses of beggars and 

 children, whicli have been left unburicd in the fields. 



The spotted eagle (A. clanga), a much smaller bird, is also found in 

 North China, its range extending into South China. lb may bo re- 

 cognized by its plumage, which is spotted in immature specimens on 

 the wing coverts, rump and belly. 



Another eagle found in North Oliina is the white-tailed sea-eagle 

 (Haliaetus albicilla). This bird rivals the golden eagle in size, and has 

 a heavier bill. It is much lighter in colour and baa a white fail. The 



