OF NEW ENGLAND. 3G3 



partly to both species, sometimes to one more than anotlicr, 

 but it may be remarked that the " Red-tail" is more robust, 

 spirited, and majestic. 



The " Hen Hawks," and their immediate relations, are best 

 characterized by their flight and mode of hunting. Sometimes, 

 propelled b}^ an occasional and slight motion of the wings, 

 they sail in circles to a great height, and, if favored by a 

 breeze, even rise until lost to sight, without any perceptible 

 exercise of muscular power. Again, they often circle without 

 ascending, though at a considerable distance from the ground. 

 Thus the range of their vision is much extended, while the 

 keenness of their sight enables them to detect the motion of a 

 squirrel in the trees, or of birds and snakes in the open land3 

 over which they more often Qy. On perceiving the object of 

 their search, closing their wings and tail, they fall with a loud 

 rustle until near the earth, when, checking their speed, they 

 drop unawares upon their victim. Should they fail, they rise, 

 and in a second attempt it frequently happens that not even 

 the cunning Quail can escape. Tliey sometimes fly lower, with 

 more or less sailing, according to the breeze or motion in the 

 air, and, diving down, seize a chicken, or even a hen, and bear 

 it off Avith apparent ease. At other times, they perch in a tree 

 in their hunting-grounds, and with an eager, intent expression, 

 watch closely the surrounding grass, down into which they 

 drop when occasion requires, or over which they again sail, 

 instantly checking their course and again alighting, should 

 anything attract their attention. Then facing about, they wait 

 until an opportune moment, when, spreading their wings and 

 for an instant hovering, they pounce upon their prey. Thoy 

 rarely catch birds on the wing, and never, so far as I know, 

 pursue them. On the contrary, if undisturbed, they sometimes 

 remain perched for hours, either waiting for the appearance of 

 game, or digesting a meal. In the woods, they not unfreqnently 

 catch squirrels, diving at them when in some exposed situation. 

 They usually sail up to their perch, and stand erectly, oftea 

 far above the ground. 



Their ordinary fare is composed of hares, often called " rab- 



