57 



WHITE-HEADED OR BALD EAGLE. 



--Haliaetus leucocephaltjs, Linn. 

 PLATE XIV.— Male. 



The figure of this noble bird is well known throughout the civilized 

 world, emblazoned as it is on our national standard, which waves in the 

 breeze of every clime, bearing to distant lands the remembrance of a great 

 people living in a state of peaceful freedom. May that peaceful freedom last 

 for ever! 



The great strength, daring, and cool courage of the White-headed Eagle, 

 joined to his unequalled power of flight, render him highly conspicuous 

 among his brethren. To these qualities did he add a generous disposition 

 towards others, he might be looked up to as a model of nobility. The fero- 

 cious, overbearing, and tyrannical temper which is ever and anon displaying 

 itself in his actions, is, nevertheless, best adapted to his state, and was wisely 

 given him by the Creator to enable him to perform the office assigned to 

 him. 



The flight of the White-headed Eagle is strong, generally uniform, and 

 protracted to any distance, at pleasure. Whilst travelling, it is entirely sup- 

 ported by equal easy flappings, without any intermission, in as far as I have 

 observed it, by following it with the eye or the assistance of a glass. When 

 looking for prey, it sails with extended wings, at right angles to its body, 

 now and then allowing its legs to hang at their full length. Whilst sailing, 

 it has the power of ascending in circular sweeps, without a single flap of the 

 wings, or any apparent motion either of them or of the tail; and in this 

 manner it often rises until it disappears from the view, the white tail remain- 

 ing longer visible than the rest of the body. At other times, it rises only a 

 few hundred feet in the air, and sails off in a direct line, and with rapidity. 

 Again, when thus elevated, it partially closes its wings, and glides down- 

 wards for a considerable space, when, as if disappointed, it suddenly checks 

 its career, and reassumes its former steady flight. When at an immense 

 height, and as if observing an object on the ground, it closes its wings, and 

 glides through the air with such rapidity as to cause a loud rustling sound, 

 not unlike that produced by a violent gust of wind passing amongst the 

 branches of trees. Its fall towards the earth can scarcely be followed by the 

 eye on such occasions, the more particularly that these falls or glidings 

 through the air usually take place when they are least expected. 



Vol. I. 9 



