38 THE OSPREY, OR FISHING-EAGLE. 
It is found in various parts of Europe and 
America. It is, however, wide dispersed, and 
was met with at Botany Island by Captain 
Cook. It lives chiefly on fish ; its usual haunts 
are by the sea shore ; it also frequents the 
borders of large lakes or rivers, and is said to 
see so distinctly in the dark, as to be able to 
pursue and catch its prey during the night. 
The nest is built on the ground, among reeds, 
and the female lays three or four white eggs, 
which are rather smaller than a hen’s. Fre- 
quent contests take place between the Bald 
Eagle and the Osprey ; the former endeavour- 
ing to deprive the latter of the prey which it 
has caught. 
