376 The Bird 
certainly they are the strongest. When once they have 
closed on an object, and remain clutched, nothing short 
of severing the bird’s leg will avail to loosen the fearful 
Fig. 295.—Foot of Golden Eagle. 
grip. Besides capturing their food, birds of prey carry 
the sticks for their nests in their talons. 
When, instead of killing its prey, a species of bird 
feeds upon carrion, the change in its habits is reflected 
