446 



SOUTH AMERICA. 



tan Caracara Eagle (Polyborus Braziliensis) is found in Brazil and other parts of Soutn 

 America. Tlie sloth, the filth, the wretchedness of these birds almost exceed credibility. 

 In the Brazils, where they are found in great abundance, when they light upon a car- 

 cass, which ihey have liberty to tear at their ease, they so gorge themselves, that they are 

 unable to fly ; but keep hopping along when they are pursued. The Harpy Eagle {Harpyia 

 destructor) is distinguished from other eagles by the shortness of its wings, the extreme ro- 

 bustness of its legs, and the more than ordinary curvature of its beak and talons. It is so 

 bold, that it does not scruple to attack the most ferocious beasts, and sometimes even man 

 himself. 



J/J/'h " 



Hiirpij Eagle. 



I'uliurine Caracara Eagle. 



The Vulturine Caracara Eagle places beyond a doubt the affinity between the eagle and 

 vulture families. The beak of this animal is deep, elongated, and nearly similar in form to 

 that of the Caracara, but much more compressed or flattened at the sides. The naked space 

 of the cheeks is less extensive and less defined at its edges, hut entirely surrounds the eyes, 

 which are placed in both birds almost on a level with the general surface of the head. The 

 wings are long, reaching to, or even beyond, the extremity of the tail, and are rounded in their 

 outline. In manners this bird resembles the genuine eagle, having the same upright attitude, 

 subsisting entirely upon flesh, and refusing fish if ofi'ered to them. 



The Chilian Sea Eagle [Ilulatus aguia) 

 measures about 2 feet from the point of the 

 beak to the extremity of the tail, and from 

 4 to 5 in the expanse of its wings. The 

 feathers of the head, neck, and upper part 

 of the body, are of a blackish blue. The 

 naked part of the leg is of a light yellow. 



The ornithology of this country is ex- 

 tremely rich and varied. Birds of the most 

 singular forms, and of the most superb plu- 

 mage, flutter, singly, or in companies, 

 through the fragrant bushes. The green, 

 blue, or red Parrots, assemble on the tops 

 of the trees, and fill the air with their 

 screams. The Toucan (Rhamphastos) , sit- 

 ting on the extreme branches, rattles with 

 its large, hollow bill, and in loud, plaintive 

 notes calls for rain. This bird is prized for 

 its feathers, which are of a lemon and bright 

 red color, with transversal black stripes reach- 



CliUian Sea Eagle. 



ing the pxtremitv of its winss ; it is about the 



