r^9. 



ACCIPITRES. 



SUB-FAMILY VIL 



CiRCIN.E. 



The Harrier's. 



Gex. Charac. — Bill moderate, short, with the eulmen much curved to the tip, 

 which is hooked ; sides compressed, and the lateral margins festooned ; wings 

 lengthened and pointed ; tail long, hroad, and even or rounded at the end ; 

 tarsi usually lengthened and slender ; toes rather short. 



W'^^'.^ 



Fig. 21.— the hen-hareiek. 

 {Circus cyaneus.) 



Tlie Hawks to wliicli the name of Harrier is 

 applied, of all the diurnal predaceous birds, make the 

 nearest approach to the Owls. The softness of their 

 plumage, accompanied in certain species by a 

 radiated arrangement of the feathers of the face, 

 give some of them a very owl-like appearance. 

 They are described by many writers as deriving 

 their name of " Harriers " from their mode of seek- 

 ing their prey. When thus engaged, they fly 



