[Illustration: Eagle Picking up an Ice Fox.]
Anyone who has visited Switzerland has often seen these powerful Birds
swaying majestically over the highest point of the Alps. With widespread
wings they glide along with easy motion. The sharp eye searches the
earth anxiously and discerns the smallest prey from the greatest height.
The Bird descends with slow circling movements and presently drawing his
wings with loud, rustling noise, he darts to the earth like an arrow. He
buries his outstretched fangs into the body of his prey and crushes it
sooner or later, according to its size and power of resistance, without
the use of his bill. After killing his prize, the Eagle spreads himself
out to his full size and gives vent to a triumphant shriek of conscious
victory. The powerful bill then begins the work of annihilation.
He steals smaller and larger animals—Rabbits, Lambs, Kids and Foxes.
Nordmann relates that Stone Eagles have even been known to pounce upon
heavy Swine. Neither are small Children safe from him. Among Birds, his
prey is the Crane, Stork, Duck, Goose, etc., or any large and clumsy
Bird. He does not attack swift Birds.
In the spring they hatch their eggs in a lonely, quiet cliff on the
mountains, locating the nest in a strong tree. No other interloper is
tolerated in the same district. Should any such appear, the male Stone
Eagle advances with loud, angry shrieks. The intruder pauses, startled
for the moment. He does not feel safe in the strange district and
hesitates for a moment as to whether to undertake the combat with the
rightful owner of the district. Soon, however, his boldness overweighs
his better judgment and the powerful Birds circle about each other
seeking to attack a weak spot. They circle nearer and presently with a
bold plunge one swoops down upon his opponent. Each clutches the other
with powerful fangs, making the blood flow and amid the rushing noise of
the flapping wings, furious blows are struck, causing the feathers to
fly in every direction. The combatants gradually sink lower and soon
touch the earth upon which they roll about. Presently the intruder
endeavors to free himself and, bleeding from many wounds, hastens away.
The victor pursues him for a short distance and finally returns to his
mate, who, having been an interested witness of the combat from the
distance, welcomes him with joyful clamor.
The Stone Eagle lays from two to four eggs, about the size of a
Peacock’s, of a greenish white color with brown spots. During the time
their young remain in the nest the parents’ search for prey is
continuous. In one of the nests, Hunter Regg found part of a Fox, a
Prairie Dog and remains of not less than five Rabbits of the Alps.