We shall class with the same genus the Osprey ([Fig. 283]), which, although different from Sea Eagles in certain details of organisation, is, however, allied to them by its aquatic habits.
It prefers the neighbourhood of ponds and rivers to the sea-shore, where it is frequently mistaken for the Sea Eagle. Wild fowl and carrion are frequently its food, but fish forms the principal portion of its diet. It does not always enjoy the fruit of its labour, for the Sea Eagle frequently forces it to abandon its prey, which, if dropped in the air, will be adroitly reseized by the robber in its descent.
Fig. 283.—The Osprey (Pandion haliæëtus).
The old naturalists, Aldrovandus, Gesner, Klein, and Linnæus sanctioned a singular error concerning the organisation of this bird. From the fact that it sometimes dives into the water to catch fish, they imagined that it had one foot webbed for swimming, and the other furnished with prehensile claws for seizing prey. The River Osprey is about a third smaller than the Sea Eagle. It is found all over Europe, but especially in Germany, Switzerland, and the East of France.
The birds which form part of the genus Morphnus (Cuv.) occupy a middle position between Eagles and Sparrow-hawks, of which we shall speak further on. They are characterised by a full and rounded tail, comparatively short wings, and the existence of a tuft on the back of the head. This latter feature, although general, is not, however, common to all the species.
These birds generally inhabit the vast forests of Africa and South America. They are admirably organised for strife and slaughter, and are the terror of every creature in their neighbourhood.
The Huppart (Falco occipitalis, Daudin), thus named on account of its huppe, or tuft, which is about six inches long, is a native of Africa, and feeds on Hares, Ducks, and Partridges. It also pursues Crows, for which it feels a deadly hatred; as these birds sometimes league together to deprive it of its prey, and even to devour its brood. It will not suffer any rival in its domain, but accords protection to small birds which come near to its nest to seek a shelter from the attacks of inferior birds of prey.
The Falco urubitinga (Gmelin) inhabits Brazil and Guiana; it is eminently wild and taciturn, and builds its nest in the vicinity of marshes. It feeds on birds, small mammals, reptiles, and even fish.
The Harpy, or Destructive Eagle of South America (Harpyia destructor, Cuv.), [Fig. 284], is the model species of the genus. It is the most formidable of the whole tribe of Eagles; for it is larger, measuring nearly five feet from the extremity of the head to that of the tail; its bill is more than two inches in length; and its claws and toes are longer and more robust than the fingers of a man. It is rumoured that the Harpy does not fear to attack carnivora of large size, and even men. Two or three blows from its bill are sufficient to break its victim's skull. In order to render these assertions worthy of belief they should be confirmed by those who have enjoyed opportunities for observation.