OF NEW ENGLAND. 367 



finally the simplicity of their fare, which consists chiefly of frogs 

 and mice, but also, it is said, of wounded birds. They usually 

 remain perched in their chosen haunts, regardless of weather, 

 until some small quadruped attracts their notice, when, with 

 the impulse received from a few beats of their wings, they drop 

 down upon their prey. They may sometimes be seen sailing 

 about with great ease and but little motion of the wings. They 

 often stand motionless for a surprisiug length of time. I re- 

 member passing over the Boston and Providence Rail-road in 

 March, and remarking, at about eleven o'clock in the morning, 

 a hawk of this species stationed on the Fowl Meadows beyond 

 Readville. On returning, toward sunset, I saw him in the 

 same tree, though it is probable that he had made several sallies 

 during the day. Such is the characteristic life of the Rough-* 

 legged Buzzards, but, in so cold a winter-climate as that of 

 Boston, they are frequently obliged to resort to woods and 

 higher grounds. I have seen one catch a squirrel, and another 

 feed upon a Quail. 



(d). Wilson speaks of their "making a loud squeeling as 

 they arise, something resembling the neighing of a young colt ; 

 tho in a more shrill and savage tone." Dr. Cooper speaks 

 of their "loud scream." 



VII. AQUILA 



(A) ciiKYSAETUS (var. canadensis). Golden Eagle. Ring- 

 tailed Eagle (3'oung). 



(In Massachusetts, extremel}'- rare.) 



(o). 30-40 inches loug. Tarsus thicMy feathered. Dark 

 brown, var3'iug from purplish to blackish, becoming rich ful- 

 vous on the hind-head and neck. Young, with the tail partly 

 white. 



{b). The nest is built on cliffs, or rarely in trees. The eggs 

 are most often two in number, and are three inches long or 

 more. They are white, usually blotched with brown. ** 



'This ilescrii)tiou, aa one or two of the others, is gathered fioni those of 

 other writers. 



