[Illustration: Falcons Fighting.]
The common name of the Sea Eagle—Pygargus—is derived from the Greek word
which means “white tail.” These Birds feed on Fish and aquatic Birds.
They are found along the shores of Europe, Northern Siberia, Asia Minor
and Egypt. A powerful, bold and dangerous Bird of Prey, with a covering
of slate colored and golden brown feathers with light and dark streaks
and bands. Like the Stone Eagle, he pursues every wild animal he can
overpower and besides this, he makes good use of his unfeathered talons
to the terror of the watery inhabitants, in catching Fish with ease. The
Porcupine’s prickly coat is no protection against him, nor the Fox’s
sharp teeth. Neither the precaution of the Wild Goose, nor the readiness
of the Diving Bird in disappearing under the waves, nor the guard of the
faithful Dog and Shepherd over the Lamb. Neither the Fish’s cool
element. All are the prey of the bold robber. He attacks Children, and,
under favorable conditions, even grown persons. His principal
nourishment is Fish and for this reason his aerie is generally near the
seacoast or large inland streams. He does not at all despise carrion and
during the winter regularly haunts fishing places and the regions of
mankind, such as flaying places, slaughter-houses, etc., wherever there
is a possibility of his obtaining booty. In Northern Russia and Siberia,
in the winter, when every river and pond is frozen over, the Sea Eagle
is obliged to exist entirely on land animals, and overcome by hunger
boldly snatches a Fox from the horde (see illustration), soars away with
and kills him; heedless of his struggles and attempt to free himself, by
attacking with his sharp teeth, the fangs and bill grasping him.