Page:A History of British Birds.djvu/51

 THE FALCON TRIBE. The numerous families of which this kind is composed, are found in almost every part of the world, from the frigid to the torrid zone: they are divided into various classes or tribes, consisting of Eagles, Kites, Buzzards, Hawks, &c. and are readily known by the following distinguishing characteristics: —

The bill is strong, sharp, and much hooked, and is furnished with a naked skin or cere situated at the base, in which are placed the nostrils; the head and neck are well cloathed with feathers, which sufficiently distinguish it from every one of the Vulture kind; the legs and feet are scaly; the claws are large and strong, much hooked, and very sharp. Birds of this species are also distinguished by their undaunted courage, and great activity. Buffon, speaking of the Eagle, compares it with the Lion, and ascribes to it the magnanimity, the strength, and the forbearance of that noble quadruped. The Eagle despises small animals, and disregards their insults; he seldom devours the whole of his prey, but, like the Lion, leaves the fragments to other animals: though famished with hunger, he disdains to feed on carrion. The eyes of the Eagle have the glare of those of the Lion, and are nearly of the same colour; the claws are of the same shape, and the cry of both is powerful and terrible: destined for war and plunder, they are equally fierce, bold, and untractable. Such is the resemblance which that ingenious and fanciful writer has pictured of these two noble animals; the characters of both are striking and prominent, and hence the Eagle is said to