The DWARF EAGLE (_Hieraëtos minuta_) is pale reddish brown upon the
head and nape, longitudinally marked with black streaks, which are most
prominent upon the fore part of the head; the mantle is brown, the long
shoulder-feathers blackish brown; the tail is pale brown, tipped with a
light shade and surrounded by three or four distinct black borders; the
eyes are encircled by a dark ring; the hose, tarsi, and lower wing-covers
are paler than the rest of the body; this species has also the white
spot upon the shoulders; the eye is brown, the beak blue at the base,
black at the tip; the cere and toes are lemon yellow. The young are light
rust red upon the head, which is distinctly marked with black upon the
fore part; the entire body is paler than that of the older birds, and
the borders upon the tail-covers scarcely perceptible. The habitat of
the Dwarf Eagles lies within the south and south-eastern portions of
our continent; what parts of Asia they inhabit is still unknown, but
the Booted species is found throughout the whole of India and Ceylon,
and breeds in both countries; during the summer they are very common in
Europe, but they migrate either in pairs or flocks as winter approaches,
at which season they visit Egypt and the upper parts of the Nile in
large numbers. In their habits and disposition the Dwarf Eagles are by
no means inferior to the True Eagles, even exceeding the latter birds
in energy and activity, but they do not equal them in prudence and
foresight. Their flight is rapid, powerful, and light; they hover with
ease, and soar high into the air, darting with the rapidity of an arrow
upon their prey, and sometimes flying near the ground while engaged in
its pursuit. When about to perch they select low branches, upon which
they sit erect and motionless, but most carefully observant of all that
passes around them. We have never seen one of these birds alone; they are
always met with either in pairs or small parties, that remain together
even during their migrations. The cry of both species is clear, and has a
piping sound. Birds of very various kinds and many small quadrupeds are
eagerly pursued by the Dwarf Eagle, who prefers woodland districts for
its hunting-grounds, and captures its prey after the manner of the Hawk.
The breeding season commences about the month of April, and the eyrie is
built with slender branches upon the top of a lofty tree. Several pairs
are usually found brooding in close proximity to each other. The eggs,
two in number, resemble those of the Hawk in size, form, and colour. When
first hatched the young are covered with long, light, silky down, which
is yellow upon the top of the head. During such time as the female is
engaged in sitting upon the nest, she is constantly relieved for hours
at a time by her mate, who frequently takes her place, and exhibits the
utmost constancy in his demonstrations of attachment. Wodzicki tells us
that when about to approach its eyrie, the Dwarf Eagle perches upon a
branch at some distance from it, lowers its head, inflates its crop, and
walks slowly into the nest. During the period of incubation, these birds,
if molested, exhibit great courage and fierceness; towards the Screech
Owl in particular they manifest an inveterate hatred, that leads to many
deadly encounters.
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The WEDGE-TAILED EAGLES (_Uroaëtos_) constitute a group of large birds
that inhabit Australia. In shape and plumage they resemble the True
Eagles, but are distinguishable from them by their elongated powerful
beaks, long and abruptly-graduated tails, and by the lengthy feathers
that adorn the back of the neck.
[Illustration: BOLD WEDGE-TAILED EAGLES (_Uroaëtos audax_).]