HAWKS AND EAGLES. • 383 



winter visitors only, and near Boston are rare, especially in 

 black plumage. They are noted for the following traits : gen- 

 eral sluggishness, fondness for hunting in the evening or to- 

 ward dusk, fondness for meadows, marshes, and low, wet lands, 

 and 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 surprising- 

 length of time. I remember passing over the Boston and 

 Providence Railroad 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 sun- 

 set, I saw him in the same tree, though no doubt 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 ; 

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

 of their " loud scream." 



VII. AQUILA. 



A, CHRYSAETOS. Golden Eagle. Ring-tailed Eagle 

 (young). In Massachusetts, extremely rare.* 



a. 30-40 inches long. Tarsus^ thickly feathered. Dark 

 brown, varying from purplish to blackish, becoming rich ful- 

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

 white. 



* The Golden Eagle is fast becom- tains, where a few pairs doubtless con- 

 ing a very rare bird in New England, tinue to breed, and every few years 

 but it may still be seen occasionally in one is taken in winter in Massachusetts 

 summer among- our northern moun- or Connecticut. — W. B. 



