12 FALCONID.E. 



RAPTORES. FALCON1DM. 



PLATE III. 



WHITE-TAILED EAGLE. 

 halmetus albicilla. (Sar.) 



This bird is nearly equal in size to the Golden Eagle, but 

 its aspect does not possess the quiet dignity of that species, 

 and the long pointed feathers that cover the head and neck 

 give it rather a haggard appearance. 



The White-tailed Eagle is found over all the continent of 

 Europe, principally near the sea-coast and borders of exten- 

 sive lakes. This species is more common in Britain than the 

 Golden Eagle ; and although it is most usually found in the 

 mountainous and rocky parts of the island, many instances 

 are recorded of its appearance in the southern counties during 

 winter, being attracted in that direction, possibly, by the 

 flocks of geese that are driven by the severity of the "weather 

 towards the southern rivers. I shall mention only such 

 instances of its capture as have fallen under my own obser- 

 vation. 



A specimen was shot on the Thames at Weybridge, in 

 Surry, in Lord Portmore's park some years since ; it had 

 alighted on one of the trees in the park, so near the house 

 that it was shot from one of the windows. The mansion 

 alluded to has since been pulled down, and the whole place, 

 occupying one of the loveliest spots upon the river, is going 

 to decay. 



Another individual which had been taken alive in a trap 

 in Suffolk, was for some time in the possession of John 



