Sketches of Spanish Bird-Life 397 
entirely black with white shoulders, only soared aloft when 
L. was already half-way up. The two handsome eggs we left, 
though they have since, presumably, added two more “ detri- 
mentals” to prey on our partridges. Lagles, so soon as adult, 
pair for life; but that condition may require several years for 
full attainment, and in the imperial eagle the adolescent period 
is passed in a distinctive uniform of rich chestnut. So long ago 
as 1883, however, we discovered the singular fact that this 
species breeds while yet (apparently) “immature.” That is, we 
have frequently found one of a nesting pair in the paler plumage 
described, while its mate gloried in the rich sable-black of 
maturity, as sketched on p. 31. This year (1910) we had come 
across such a couple—they had two eggs on March 15—the male 
being black, while his partner was parti-coloured. A curious 
incident had occurred at that nest; at dawn next morning a 
griffon vulture was discovered asleep close alongside the sitting 
eagle. But on the arrival of the husband a furious scene ensued ! 
The intruder (whom we acquit of dishonourable intent) was set 
upon, hustled, and violently ejected from the tree—hurriedly 
and dishevelled he departed. But conjugal peace was soon 
restored, and presently the royal pair set out in company for a 
morning’s hunting. 
These resident birds-of-prey breed early. We have found 
the eagles’ eggs by February 28, buzzards’ on March 12, and red 
kites’ on March 14. 
This spring was remarkable for the numbers of hobbies that 
passed north during May, sometimes in regular flocks. They 
often roosted in old kites’ nests, and when disturbed therefrom 
misled us into a futile climb. 
Wuire-Tattep or Sea-Eacir (Haliaétos albicilla).—This 
does not properly belong to the Spanish zone. We cannot 
find recorded a single authentic instance of its occurrence in that 
country, but can supply one ourselves. 
In the early days of February 1898 we watched on several 
occasions an eagle (which at the time we took .to be Bonelli’s) 
wildly chasing the geese that are wont to assemble in front of 
our shooting-lodge. Splendid spectacles these aerial hunts 
afforded. The selected goose, skilfully separated from his 
company, made a grand defence. Fast he flew and far, now low 
