GO IMPERIAL EAGLE. 



In its habits it is described as more fierce than the 

 Golden Eagle, and consequently more dreaded by its 

 feathered victims. Cuvier says this bird is the true 

 subject of the exaggerated tales propagated by the 

 ancients, relating to the courage and magnanimity of 

 the Golden Eagle. 



It feeds principally upon small deer and young 

 foxes, and large birds. It builds its nest among the 

 mountain forests, on the highest trees and rocks. It 

 lays two or three eggs, which are stated by Degland 

 to be oblong, and of a dirty white; the long diameter 

 thirty, and the shorter twenty lines. 



Of the habits of this bird in India, Mr. Jerdon 

 observes in. the "Madras Journal," vol. x., page 66: — 

 "I several times saw birds of this species, both single 

 and in pairs, in the more northern parts of the Deccan, 

 many of which shewed the white mark at the base of 

 the tail, Avhich gained for it the name of the Ring- 

 tailed Eagle, and I procured a specimen near the 

 Godavery River. I frequently also saw them near 

 Jaulnah, even close to the cantonment; and they are 

 occasionally seen to pursue and strike at hares, florikin, 

 and other game started by sportsmen. This Eagle may 

 generally be seen seated on the ground, or on a stone 

 in the rocky hills in the neighbourhood of Jaulnah, 

 whence, after the sun has been up for some time, it 

 takes a flight in search of prey, at no great elevation, 

 hunting slowly over the bushy valleys and ravines, and 

 also over the cultivated ground occasionally; after which 

 if unsuccessful in its search, it re-seats itself on a stone, 

 on some eminence, or even perches on a neighbouring 

 tree, where it patiently waits till some quarry is raised 

 or viewed, or till hunger again prompts it to take 

 flight. I obtained a specimen alive. It feeds most 



