142 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



seasons. It is broad and flat, but the cup containing 

 the eggs is somewhat deep. Externally it is made 

 of sticks and twigs and lined with finer twigs, roots, 

 moss, and flakes of bark. The bird is a close sitter, 

 but when flushed usually flies away making little or no 

 demonstration. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of the Goshawk are from three to five in 

 number, four being the average and usual clutch. They 

 are pale bluish-green, and generally entirely devoid of 

 markings, except perhaps a few stains of yellowish- 

 brown. Very rarely eggs are seen with a few rich brown 

 spots : Wolley states that occasionally they are marked 

 with pale olive. Average measurement, 2*25 inches in 

 length by 175 inch in breadth. Incubation, performed 

 chiefly if not entirely by the female, is said to last three 

 weeks. 



Diagnostic characters: Theeggsof the Goshawk 

 may be generally distinguished by their size and absence 

 of markings, but as unspotted eggs of some of the Buzzards 

 are the same size, they require careful identification. 



Family FALCONID^. Genus Astur. 



Sub- family ACCIPITRINM. 



AMERICAN GOSHAWK. 



Astur atricapillus ( \Vilso7i). 



(British : Very rare abnormal autumn migrant.) 



Single Brooded. Laying season, May. 



Breeding habits : Northern Nearctic region. The 

 American Goshawk breeds in some of the northern 



