A FES. 97 



FAMILY, FALCONID.-E. 



192. Cirais arttghiosits. (Linn. Syst. Nat. i., p. 130.) Marsh 

 Harrier. Arab. d*J^j, Da-iah. 



The Marsh Harrier is very common throughout the year over 

 marshes and in all the plains. As many as twenty may often be seen, 

 not together, but quartering the plain independently. The males are 

 generally in very rich plumage, with shoulders and tails silver grey, 

 and the pinions black. 



Its range is from the British Isles through Europe and Africa as far 

 as the Transvaal, and eastward as far as Ceylon, Formosa, and Japan. 



193. Circus cineraceus. Montagu. Ornith. Diet., vol. i., k. 3. 

 Montagu's Harrier. 



Probably not uncommon, though it has not often come under my 

 observation. I obtained it twice by the Lake of Galilee in 1864, and on 

 revisiting the same spot in 188 1 I secured another, which rose, I believe, 

 on the very same clump of rock as had the former bird. I also noticed 

 it in Moab in 1872. 



This bird is found sparsely through all the temperate regions of the 

 Old World, as far as the Cape and China. 



194. Circus cyanais. (Linn. Syst. Nat. i., p. 126.) Hen Harrier. 

 Not at all uncommon on the plains at all times of the year. 



It has a less extensive range than Montagu's Harrier, being found 

 through Europe and Northern and Central Asia as far as China and 

 Japan ; but in North Africa it is a scarce winter visitant. 



195. Circus swainsoni. Smith. S. Afr. Quart. Journ. i., p. 384. 

 Pallid Harrier. 



This Harrier is more abundant than either of the preceding species, 

 though not a tenth in number of the Marsh Harrier. It is especially to 

 be found along the sea-coast and the maritime plains. I noticed, last 

 year, one of these birds, in almost white plumage, sail for a whole 

 morning round the rock on which a Philistine village was perched, and 



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