Large Nests in Trees 



352. Bald Eagle: Haliaetus leucocephalus (Linn.) 



Adult — The entire head, neck, and tail white ; other parts darjc 



brownish. Length — 3,32.85; 5,35.50. 

 Breeding Range — Throughout North America. 



The nest is a very large structure of sticks, sometimes "partly 

 composed of sods," and more or less lined with grass ; it is 

 placed in large trees (in parts of Florida the pine is used almost 

 exclusively), in mangroves, and rarely on rocks. The eggs, 2 in 

 number, are white or whitish. Size — 2.85 x 2.20. 



The Bald Eagle found in Florida is much smaller than the 

 northern bird ; its eggs also are somewhat smaller ; then, again, 

 the Florida bird feeds to a great extent on carrion, and may be 

 often seen feeding with large numbers of the turkey vultures. 

 Some writers say that on the approach of the eagle the turkey 

 vultures disperse. 1 have, however, seen them feeding together 

 in comparative harmony. 



The breeding season begins very early. In Florida eggs 

 may be found in January. 



357. Pigeon Hawk: Palco colurnbarius Linn. 



Eggs light cinnamon or creamy white, blotched, clouded, and 

 spotted with chestnut and brown. 



See Page 82, Chapter V. 



362. Audubon's Caracara: Polyborus cherlvay (Jacq.) 



Adtilt — Crown and back black ; upper back and nape slightly 

 barred. Under parts : Throat and breast buff, the breast 

 finely barred with black ; belly black ; feathers on crown 

 slightly elongated ; face bare. Length — 23.00. 



Breeding Range — Southern Florida and Texas. 



The nests, which are not very bulky, are made of sticks and 

 grass, either with or without lining, and placed in trees, amongst 

 others the cabbage palmetto, and in bushes, rarely in cliffs. 2 

 to 3 eggs are laid ; they are reddish or yellowish buff with small 

 and large markings and cloudings of rich purplish brown, chest- 

 nut, and reddish brown. Size — 2.40 x 1.70. 



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