Genus ICHTHYOPHAGA

Genus ICHTHYOPHAGA *.

Ichthyophaga Less., L'Echo au Monde Savante, ser. ii, p. 7 (1843).

Type, Falco ichthyaetus Horsf.

This genus, containing two species of Fishing-Eagles, is in some respects very close to Pandion but whilst the Osprey has no after-shaft to the feathers these birds have it just as the true Eagles have. The tarsus is very powerful, feathered on the upper third or half; the toes are equally powerful with enormous, strongly-curved claws, not grooved underneath; the tarsi and toes are scutellated above and in front as in Haliaetus and also behind, reticulations extending down the sides; the soles of the feet are covered densely with little spicules, giving immense grasping power; the outer toe is reversible, though not to quite the same extent as in the Osprey; the wing is rounded, the fourth and fifth primaries longest and sub-equal; the first is shorter than the longer secondaries ; tail moderate and slightly rounded.

Both species of the genus are confined to the Oriental region.

Key to Species.

A.All tail-feathers brown-tipped, white on the basal two-thirds..........I. ichthyaetus, p. 114.
B.Central tail-feathers brown throughout............... I humilis, p. 116.