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ICTiNEA Plumbea, Gmel. Mississippi Kite. 



I saw a single specimen ©f this southern kite on Rock River, in this State, in July 

 1846. It is occasionally met with ou the Mississippi River. 



*Nauclerus Furcatus, Linn. Swallow Tailed Ilawk. 



This kite was numerous within ten miles of Racine, where they nested up to the 

 yei|r 1848, since which time they have abandoned this region. I have not seen one 

 since 1850. They nested ou tall elm trees about the lOth of Juua, and left us about 

 the 1st of September. 



*BuTEO Lagopus, Wilson. Rougli Legged Falcon. 



Not numerous. I have repeatedly seen this buzzard soar to great heights, not- 

 withstanding the testimony of some ornithologists to the contrary. They are in the 

 habit, while in the pursuit of mice, frogs, &c , of balancing themselves o*er marshy 

 situations on the prairies. If not successful, they sail off to other more suitable 

 grounds, and r«new the same motion. When they espy Ihe quariy, they dart di- 

 rectly upon it, in the manner of tlie true falcon. Where there are trees, they may 

 adopt a different mode of hunting. My observations apply to the prairies. 



*BuTEO BoREALis, Gmel. Red tailed Hawk. 



Common. They do not remain with us during severe winters. I have a fine 

 albino specimen of this species. Although pure white, the irides were yellow. This 

 individual was knowh to inhabit a particular district in Huron Co., Ohio, for ten 

 years. Although I had offered a liberal reward for the capture of the " white hawk," 

 it was several years before I succeeded in getting him. 



*BuTKO VuLGAi^is, Willougbby. (?) Common Buzzard. 



Not numerous. One of our winter residents. It is now probable this will prove 

 a new species, and will be named Buteo Bairdii. (Hoy.) 



*BuxEO Penxsylvanicus, Wilson. Broad winged Buzzard. 

 Comnion. 



■*BuTEO LiNKATUs, Gmel. Winter Buzzard. 



This noisy species is extremely numerous. The great number of hawks, of thig 

 and other species, that are often seen soaring in company during tine weather, about 

 the 20th of September, at which time they are migrating south, is almost incredible. 



*CiRcus Cyaneus, Linn. Marsh Harvier. 



Common. They build their nests entirely of grasses (carox,) placed on the ground 

 in the middle of swampy marshes. Neat about the 1st of June. 



STRIGIN.!^, (14 species.) 



SuRNiA FuNEREA, Gmel. Hawk-Owl. 

 A few visit us every winter. 



SuRNiA Xyctea, Linn. Snowy Owl. 



Numerous on the prairies from November to March. 



*Scops Asio, Linn. Screech Owl. 



Common. In the month of June I caught four young ones just as they were about 

 leaving the nest. They were a deep reddish brown, in all respects similar to the old 

 female which I shot at the time, and have preserved. 



