210 
DIURNAL BIRDS OF FREY. 
world like a pigeon or sparrow. After its bath, it resorts to the top of some tree, 
or, along the banks of large rivers, to some craggy point, where it sits for a while 
sunning itself, generally with its wings half outspread. Thence it flies off heavily 
to seek a meal. A large fish near the surface attracts its attention, as it flies pretty 
low over the river, down it swoops with more activity and rapidity than its habitual 
demeanour and method of flight would lead one to expect, and strikes for a break- 
AFRICAN SEA-EAGLE (i Hat. Size). 
fast, dashing its huge feet and long legs into the water right up to the body.” 
This action shows how adapted is the conformation of the bird to its mode of 
life, as heavily feathered legs like those of the true eagles would become heavy 
and bedraggled with water. The food of those birds is, however, by no means 
confined to fish; and they may frequently be seen on the larger Indian rivers 
hawking for ducks, teal, and paddy-birds, while Mr. Hume states that they will 
pursue and carry of such a large animal as a wounded wild goose, of which the 
weight may be as much as seven pounds. Hutton, too, writes that he has often 
