THE OSPREY, OR FISHING-EAGLE 
This bird is nearly as large as the Golden 
Eagle, measuring 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 hazel, 
in others yellow : a row of strong bristly fea- 
thers 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 whitish, 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 black, form a complete semicircle. 
