308 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



tor tlieir food long after sunset, and Mr. Kicliardson speaks of their hunting 

 for their prey " by the subdued dayhght which illuminates even tlie niid- 

 niglit liours in the high parallels of latitude." For these nocturnal hunts it 

 is well fitted by the softness of its plumage, wliicli renders its fliglit noiseless, 

 like tliat of the more nocturnal birds. 



Tliese birds were once quite abundant in tlie low lands and marshes in the 

 vicinity of Boston, l)ut are now comparatively rare. They were abundant 

 durinij- October and November, and again in April, They usually kept on or 



Archibuteo sancti-johannts (black plumage). 



near the ground, appeared to feed chiefly on small quadrupeds or reptiles, 

 were never known to molest the poultry-yard, or even to destroy otlier 

 birds. 



They were very wary, and wlien approached with a gun would slowly and 

 deliberately move off to a safer distance. "Wilson found them quite abun- 

 dant, during tlie winter months, in the meadows on tlie Delaware and Schuyl- 

 kill liivers, near Philadelphia, where tliey are still common. Though ren- 

 dered very sliy by tlie frequent attempts made to shoot them, they would 

 never fly far at a time, usually from one tree to another, making a loud 

 squealing noise as they arose. They all disappeared early in April. 



He also speaks of them as common during winter in the lower parts 

 of INIaryland, as well as in the extensi^x meadows below Newark, N. J. 

 He mentions having often seen this Hawk coursing over tlie surface of 

 meadows long after sunset, and many times in pairs. They roost near these 

 low grounds, and take their station at daybreak near a ditch, watching with 

 patient vigilance for their prey. 



