[Illustration: HARPY OR CRESTED EAGLE.]
The Eagles are distinguished from the Falcons proper by their strong
bills which are scalloped and not toothed. Their wings are long and
tails rounded. The Harpy or Crested Eagle is called the model species of
this tribe. It is very large and the most formidable, 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 larger and
more robust than the fingers of a man. It is said that the Harpy does
not fear to attack animals of large size and even Men. Two or three
blows from its bill are sufficient to break its victim’s skull. The
Harpy inhabits the great forests situated on the banks of the rivers of
South America. The Indians, who have great admiration for its warlike
qualities, show great respect for this Bird; and they use its long wing
and tail feathers to adorn themselves on state occasions.