THE EAGLE INTERCHANGE

Eagle Lore

Eagles are members of the family Accipitridae, subfamily Buteoninae, and are within the order Falconiformes. They are diurnal birds of prey, normally active only in daylight. At night they are quiescent on roosts — some even roost on the ground — usually alone or in pairs, infrequently in flocks.

Diurnal routine: Upon awakening to call, there is a spell of preening, followed by expelling an accumulation of cast pellets and defecating. They do not hunt well until after casting. The need to kill is increased at certain stages of the breeding cycle. The ability to kill is severely hampered during adverse weather. The typical bird of prey does not spend much time in water or bathing. Up to three fourths of each day is spent sleeping, resting, or doing nothing. The balance of time is devoted to playful aerial evolutions or to social gatherings, which are usually limited to a select few. Those who have watched the matchless flying of Eagles cannot help but think that, in spite of certain privations which may have been endured, the life of a healthy Eagle is an enviable one.