TLIF LAUGHING FALCON . 
33 
lx. are are many other examples of the genus Aquila, the smallest of which is the 
Booted Eac e {Aquila jpennata ). 
This little bird is not larger than an ordinary falcon, for which, indeed, it might be mis- 
taken but for the lancet-shaped feathers in the head and neck, which plainly speak of the 
Eagle. The general color of this bird is dark brown ; a light yellowish-brown stripe runs 
across the wings ; the abdomen is white, and the chest is also white, each feather having a 
brown dash down its centre. The legs are thickly clothed or “booted” with white feathers. 
The Booted Eagle is spread over a considerable portion of the world, being found in many 
parts of Europe, as well as in Asia, which seems to be its natural residence. It has, however, 
been known to build in Hungary, near the Carpathian mountains, and makes annual migra- 
tions. It is not a very destructive 
bird, its food consisting generally 
of small birds, rats and mice, bats, 
insects, and similar articles of diet. 
Of the genus Spizaetus, the 
Martial Eagle forms an excel- 
lent example. This handsome bird 
is a native of Southern Africa, 
where it was discovered by Le 
Vaillant. 
The color of this bird is dark 
brown, the feathers being paler at 
their edges ; the under surface is 
whitish, the quills being black ; 
the legs are paler and feathered to 
the toes. The name Spizaetus sig- 
nifies “piping Eagle,” and has 
been given to this and several other 
species on account of their pecu- 
liar cry. Mixed with the rough, 
barking scream of the ordinary 
Eagles, there is a piercingly shrill 
cry which can be heard at a very 
great distance, even though the 
bird be out of sight. The nest of 
the Martial Eagle, or Grifeard, 
as it is sometimes called, is rather 
peculiar in its structure, being 
composed of three distinct layers 
of building materials. The first 
layer is made with sticks, as is 
usual among Eagles, and is of considerable dimensions. Upon this foundation is placed a 
second layer of wood, moss, and roots, to the depth of twenty inches or two feet, and upon 
this again is laid a quantity of little dry sticks, on which the eggs are laid. The eggs are two 
in number, white, and very globular. 
The Martial Eagle is a bold, powerful, and rapacious bird, feeding mostly upon gazelles 
and smaller African animals. In the particular locality which it frequents it reigns supreme, 
and will not permit any other bird of prey to come within a considerable distance of the tree 
or rock whereon its nest is built. Whilst flying, it permits its legs to hang downward. 
The curious bird which is called from its strange cry the Laughing Falcon, is a native 
of Southern America, where it is found inhabiting the vicinity of marshes and swamps, in 
which localities it finds the reptile food on which it chiefly subsists. It is also a keen fisher, 
Vol. II.— 5. 
MARTIAL EAGLE. ( Spizaetus bellicosus .) 
