OF BIRDS, 
1 73 
The varieties of this tribe are the ash-coloured and 
the brown vulture of Europe; the spotted and the black 
vulture of Egypt; the bearded vulture, the Brazilian 
vulture, and the king of the vultures, of South America* 
These, however, all agree in their nature and habitudes, 
being equally indolent, filthy, and rapacious. 
Secretary Falcon. This curious bird resembles 
the common falcon in its head, bill, and claws; but its 
legs are so long, that when standing erect, it is not much 
unlike the crane. The general colour of the plumage is 
a bluish ash; the tips of the wings, the thighs, and the 
vent inclining to black. On the back of the head are se- 
veral long dark coloured feathers, hanging down behind, 
and capable of being erected at pleasure. This crest in- 
duced the Dutch colonists at the Cape to give it the 
name of the secretary; the Hottentots, however, style it 
the serpent-eater, from the avidity with whi ch it seizes 
and devours those noxious reptiles. 
Osprey or Sea Eagle. (Falca Halicetus . PI. 25.) 
This bird is nearly as large as the golden eagle, measur- 
ing in length three feet and a half, but its expanded wings 
do not reach* above seven feet. Its bill is large, much 
hooked, and of a bluish colour; irides in some light ha- 
zel, in others yellow; a row of strong bristly feathers 
hangs down from its under bill next to its throat, whence 
it has been termed the bearded eagle: the top of the 
head and back part of the neck are dark brown, inclining 
to black: the feathers on the back are variegated by a 
lighter brown, with dark edges; the scapulars are pale 
brown, the edges nearly white; the breast and belly whit- 
ish, with irregular spots of brown; the tail feathers are 
dark brown, the outer edges of the exterior feathers? 
whitish; the quill feathers and thighs are dusky: the legs 
and feet yellow; the claws, which are large, and form a 
complete semi-circle, are of a shining black. 
It is found in various parts of Europe and American 
it is said to lay only two eggs during the whole year, and 
frequently produces only one young bird; it is however 
wide dispersed, and was met with at Botany Island by 
Captain Cook* It lives chiefly on fish; its usual haunts 
<1 2 . 
