IMPERIAL EAGLE. 



53 



inhabits the deep recesses of the forests, preying 

 on various kinds of game. When disturbed, it 

 immediately elevates the crest on its head. 



I cannot but imagine the bird described by 

 Monsieur Sonnini and Monsieur Daudin under 

 the name of Aigle Destructeur^ (Falco Destructor) 

 to be no other than the male of the same species. 

 Like the preceding, it was first discovered by 

 Monsieur Sonnini in Guiana. Its length is three 

 feet two inches, French measure ; and its colour 

 black above, with greyish clouds or bands; the 

 under parts dull white, with a mixture of grey : 

 the head cinereous, and furnished at the back part 

 with a beautiful semipendent crest, consisting of 

 several feathers of considerable length, and of a 

 grey colour; the middle feather longer than the 

 rest, and of a black colour, tipped with grey : the 

 thighs white, with transverse black undulations; 

 the bill horn-colour; the legs and feet yellow. It 

 is said to be a very bold and ferocious bird, and to 

 prey on fawns, and other young quadrupeds; 

 particularly on the two species of Sloth, viz. the 

 Bradypus tridactylus and didactylus, which in- 

 habit the trees of Guiana. Monsieur Sonnini 

 however declares that he is unacquainted with 

 its manners, and does not conceive that these 

 particulars are properly authenticated. He is clear 

 that it does not prey on fish, which, from the 

 appearance of the legs, was surmised by Monsieur 

 Cuvier. 



