342 



Hali^tus Washingtonii, Aud. Washington Eacle. 



I procured, in reSO, a living bird that had been slightly wounded, which answer- 

 ed to Audubon's description of this doubtful species. I kept it in an ample cage 

 upwards of two years, but before its deathit underwent changes in plumage which 

 led me to believe that, had it lived, it would have proved to be the white-headed 

 species. I put several species of hawks and owls into the same apartment, several 

 of which the eagle killed and devoured without ceremony. When a fowl was in- 

 troduced, he pounced upon it, aud without attempting to kill, proceeded to pluck 

 it with the greatest unconcern, notwithstanding its piteous screams and struggles. 



It is my opinion that the Bird of Washington will prove to be only an unusually 

 marked large and fine immature white-headed eagle. My specimen, a female, mea- 

 sured 7^, feet in alar extent. 



*HALiiETUs Leucocephalus, Linn. Bald Eagle. 



Numerous throughout the State. I have seen one of these fine birds pounce upon 

 and capture a fish in the lake, The eagle did not disappear wholly under the water, 

 which led me to suspect that the fish was in some way disabled. 



*Pandion Hali^tus, Lina. American Fish Hawk. 

 Not uncommon. 



*Falco Peregrinus, Gnoel. Duck Hawk. 



This noble falcon is frequently met with, although not bo numerous as many other 

 hawks. A pair nested for several years within ten miles of this city ; constructing 

 their nest on the top of a large red beech tree. 



I have seen one of these daring hawks make a swoop into a flock of Blue-winged 

 Teal, killing two on the spot. 



*Falco Columbarius, Linn. Pigeon Hawk. 



This active little falcon is numerous, especially in spring and fall, during the mi- 

 gration of the smaller birds. A few nest with us, many more in the pine forests of 

 the northern part of the State. Those that nest in this vicinity, regularly morning 

 and evening, visit the lake sliore. in quest of bank swallows, which they seize with 

 great dexterity while on the wing. 



Falco ^salon, Grael. The Merlin. 



I have met with three individuals of this small species, Nov. 15th, 1849, Dec. 25th, 

 1850, and Dec. 12th, 1852. ' 



*Falco Sparverius, Linn. Sparrow Hawk. 

 Common. 



*AsTUK Atricapillus, WilsoB. American Goshawk. 



This daring and powerful hawk is to be found at all seasons ; the old birds only 

 remain during winter, the young retiring further south. The young are so different 

 in their plumage from the old birds, that few would suspect their identity ; they are 

 more bold and daring, much more destructive to the poultry yards than the more 

 sly and cautious old ones — a peculiarity not, however, confined to this species. 



*AsTUR CooPERii, Bonap. Cooper's Hawk. 



Not uncommon. They destroy many quails, and young grouse, which, together 

 with poultry, constitute their principal fare. They construct their nests on the topof 

 large trees, in the most secluded situations, and leave us at the approach of winter. 



*AsTUR Fuscus, Gmel. Slate colored Hawk. 



Common. Nest here about the middle of April. 



