PLATE XHLiI^T. 



HALIASTUR SPHENURUS. 



WHISTLING EAGLE. 



TTlHE Whistling Eagle, so called on account of the shrill whistle uttered when flying, is found in 

 all parts of Australia ; and also, but more rarely, in Tasmania. 



It feeds on reptiles, small quadrupeds, and every kind of carrion, in search of which latter it 

 may often be seen in the close vicinity of rivers and lakes. 



* 



During the months of November and December, either one or two eggs are laid in a nest 

 built on one of the branches of a high tree, and constructed of sticks and thin roots. The eggs are 

 bluish-white, faintly marked with brown, and are two and a-quarter inches long by one and three- 

 quarter inch broad. 



Gould mentions that he once found a nest of this species, with that of the Amadine 

 Latltami built on the side, the two birds sitting on their eggs in the greatest harmony. 



The male is smaller than the female, but is the same in colouring. 



The head, neck, and under surface are light greyish-brown, each feather tipped with reddish- 

 brown ; feathers of back and wings, blackish-brown, margined with greyish-white ; tail, greyish-brown, 

 rounded at the end ; bill, brown ; irides, blackish-brown ; legs and feet, light reddish-brown. 



Habitats : Australia and Tasmania. 



