58 BIRDS OF THE WORLD 



before learning to fly, and having voracious appetites, 

 consume enormous quantities of game or carrion dur- 

 ing that time. 



Birds of Prey are found in all regions of the world, 

 from the tropics to extremely cold countries. In most 

 cases they live in barren, rocky districts, although 

 some species, particularly in South America, are for- 

 est-loving, building their nests in the tops of tall trees, 

 from which they are able to see for enormous dis- 

 tances. Some species, such as the Bald Eagle of our 

 own country and the Fish Hawks and the White- 

 tailed Eagle of Europe, feed almost entirely on fish; 

 others, such as the Golden Eagle, prefer animal diet. 

 Nothing can surpass the energy and dash with which 

 many of the smaller Falcons and Hawks pursue their 

 prey, and an instance has been cited of a Sparrow 

 Hawk impetuously crashing through the glass of a 

 greenhouse in order to get at a bird hanging in a cage 

 inside. 



The voice of almost all Birds of Prey is a harsh and 

 rasping scream, and a few species, among them the 

 African Sea Eagles, are extremely noisy, uttering 

 their calls at regular intervals. As a general rule, 

 however, they are silent. They are not particularly 

 intelligent, and most of them are shy in captivity. 

 Indeed, it is impossible to keep some species in con- 

 finement, as they batter themselves to death against 

 the bars of their cage. The Vultures, however, be- 

 come remarkably tame, showing no fear of human 

 beings. They are very Crow-like in general actions 

 and demeanour, being inquisitive and easily ap- 

 proached without taking alarm, even in the wild state, 



