EAGLES. 39 



35. The Gerfalcorift, — Hieroialco, — have the tail much longer 

 than the wings, which are also large. Only one species is known. 



36. The Gerfalcon., or Iceland Falcon, — Falco candicans, and 

 Falco islandicvs, — is most esteemed of all birds in falconry. It 

 is a fourth larger than the Falcon, and chiefly inhabits the 

 northern parts of Europe. 



37. In the Division of Ignoble Birds of Prey, the beak has 

 no lateral tooth near its point, but a simple scallop or festoon, 

 and the fourth quill of the wing is almost always the longest, 

 while the first is very short ; in consequence of this the wings 

 are truncate at the extremity, and their flight is more feeble. 

 They have been called ignoble because they could never be 

 employed in falconry. 



38 This section is very numerous, and is divided, as we have 

 already seen, into many genera, which are sub-divided again into 

 sub-genera, many of which are sufficiently important to be 

 noticed in this place. 



39. The genus of Eagles, — e^^?/i7«,— comprises the strongest 

 and most courageous birds of prey of the great tribe of Falcons, 

 and is distinguished by the form of the beak ; it is sub-divided 

 into Eagles properly so called, Fisher-Eagles, Ospreys, Harpies, &c. 



40. Eagles properly so called, — Jlqidlo, — have the tarsi 

 feathered to the roots of the toes, and the wings as long as the 

 tail. {Plate B,_/ig^ 1.) [Their vision is wonderflilly extensive, 

 and they are enabled to fix their eyes upon the sun, by the aid 

 of the rnembrana nictita?is, which lessens the intensity of the 

 light.] 



41. These birds are remarkable for the nobleness of their 

 bearing, and for their bold and daring attitude. They are cele- 

 brated for their courage, and as their habits are always in corres- 

 pondence with their organization, nature has endowed them 

 with great strength and powerful arms. They are fond of 

 carnage, and in general they prefer attacking animals of con- 

 siderable size : it is only when they are pressed by hunger that 

 they pursue small birds, and they never eat carrion, even when 

 in a state of absolute want. They generally live in pairs, but 



35. How are the Gerfalcons distinguished ? 



36. How many species of Gerfalcons are known ? 



37. How are the ignoble birds of prey distinguished? Why are they 

 called ignoble ? 



38. Are the divisions of this section numerous? 



39. How is the genus of Eagles distinguished ? What are the sub- 

 genera ? 



40. How are Eagles properly so called distinguished ? 



41. What are the habits of Eagles ? Do they eat carrion ? 



