2IO THE NESTS AXD EGGS OF BRITISH BIRDS. 



species — but as exceptionally small examples intergrade 

 with those of the preceding bird, and exceptionally 

 large ones with those of the following, this character is 

 not absolutely trustworthy. Only the most careful 

 identification at the nest is of avail in authenticating 

 them. 



Family FALCONID.li. , Genus CiRCUS. 



Sub-family ACCIPITRINM. 



MARSH HARRIER. 



Circus ^ruginosus {LiiuwEus). 

 Single Brooded. Laying season, May. 



British breeding area : There can be little doubt 

 that the Marsh Harrier will soon cease absolutely to 

 breed in our area if not afforded more protection than is 

 now vouchsafed to it. Probably the only county in 

 which it now regularly breeds or attempts to do so in 

 Great Britain, is in Norfolk. In Ireland it may still 

 breed here and there in suitable districts, but is well- 

 nigh exterminated by the keeper. 



Breeding habits : The Marsh Harrier, if left un- 

 molested, is probably a resident in our islands, but 

 undertakes some local movement during the non-breed- 

 ing season. Its only haunt in our islands is the 

 Broads, the wide wastes of reed and marsh and water 

 that were once the home of so many interesting species. 

 It is too rare in our islands to be social ; but in countries 

 elsewhere, this Harrier seems almost to be gregarious 

 during the breeding season ; for Irby states that no less 

 than a score of nests have been found within three 



