VERMONT BIRDS. 173 



friend to the agriculurist, though this is doubted, in 

 consideration of the mice, squirrels and other animals 

 destructive to vegetation, which it kills for food. 



Bute6 Pennsylvanicus, Bonap. 

 Broad-ivingcd Hawk. 



This Hawk is a native of our State. Its nest re- 

 sembles that of the preceding species, and lays from 

 four to five eggs. This bird is rather rare, and when 

 seen is often sailing very high in the atmosphere with- 

 out any perceptible motion of the wings. At times it 

 appears to remain perfectly motionless, but after a mo- 

 ment or two a slight motion of the wings may be 

 perceived. After a shoit time it will be seen to move 

 sometimes slowly and at others rapidly, through the 

 air, with scarcely any motion of its wings. Frequently 

 two miiy be seen in company. 



Acci PITER i-uscus, Bonap. 

 SJiavp-shinncd Ilazok. 



This Hawk is a native of Verm.ont, and is more us- 

 ually called the Chicken Hawk, taking its name from 

 its habit of catching chickens. It is also called Pigeon 

 Hawk. It is not with us a very rare bird. It may 

 often be seen in llie Summer carrying off a small 

 chicken or sparrow. 



FalcX) anatum, Bonap. 

 Great-footed Hazuk. 



This rare bird is known to visit all the northern 

 States. It is called the Duck Hawk from the fact of 

 its seeking the duck beside the lakes and rivers, as 

 one of its favorite luxuries. Its strength is very great, 

 especially in its feet or claws. It is a common terror 

 to other birds. It is nearly identical with the Euro- 

 pean species. 



