602 EAPTORES, OE BIRDS OP PEET. 



make mention of, because the habits of all are so exceedingly- 

 similar. 



The synonyms here given are those used in the classification of 

 the British Museum. The Eoyal Eagle (Fig. 280), called also 

 the Grolden Eagle (^Aquila, chrysaetos), attains a greater size than 

 any other; it is a native of the North and East of Europe. The 

 Imperial Eagle (Fig. 281) is found in the East and South 

 of Europe, and also in North Africa. Bonelli's Eagle {A. 

 BonelUi) inhabits Southern Europe, particularly Greece. The 

 Tawny Eagle {A. ncevioides) is to be met with in all the moun- 

 tainous and woody countries of Europe. The Booted Eagle {A. 

 pennata) lives in the East and South of Europe, and occasionally 

 makes its appearance in France. Reinwardt's Eagle {A. malay- 

 ensis) is found in the Malay peninsula and islands ; and the 

 Vulturine Eagle {A. vulturina) is a species peculiar to South 

 Africa, and of which Levaillant was the first to point out the 

 peculiar characteristics. 



The diurnal birds of prey belonging to the order of Sea or 

 Fishing Eagles are distinguished from Eagles proper by their 

 tarsi, which are feathered only in the upper part, as well as by 

 their feeding principally on marine animalia. 



Sea Eagles. 



Their name, Pythargus, which is derived from the Greek, 

 means "white-tail." They generally frequent the sea-shore, where 

 they feed on fish and aquatic birds ; they sometimes also catch 

 small mammals, and even devour putrefied flesh. Their claws 

 are very powerful, and the strength of their vision is so great, 

 that they can see their aquatic prey swimming under the surface 

 of the water. The rapidity with which they descend through 

 the air when striking at their quarry is so wonderful that 

 many have compared it to lightning. They even venture to 

 attack the Seal, but as they cannot lift their victim, they cling 

 to its back, forcing it on shore by means of their wings. But 

 this excess of boldness has been known to be fatal to them; 

 large Seals are strong enough to dive and drag their foe under 

 water, where the Eagle meets with a miserable death; for, 



