GOSHAWK. 33 



to end the dismal picture, the female, in a fit of indiscriminate 

 rage and violence, murdered her mate in the silence of the 

 night, when all the other feathered race were wrapped in 

 repose. Indeed, their dispositions are so furious that a Gos- 

 hawk, left with any other Falcons, soon effects the destruction 

 of the whole. Their ordinary food is young rabbits, squirrels, 

 mice, moles, young Geese, Pigeons, and small birds, and, with 

 a cannibal appetite, they sometimes even prey upon the young 

 of their own species. 



The Goshawk is not so rare in America as the older naturalists 

 supposed ; indeed, it is quite a common bird in the maritime Prov- 

 inces of Canada and in northern New England, where it is found 

 during the entire year. It occurs also west to Manitoba (though 

 apparently rare in the Lake Superior region), and ranges, in winter, 

 south to Maryland, Kentucky, and Ohio. 



Its usual breeding area is from about latitude 45° to the fur 

 countries ; though a few pairs probably build every year in southern 

 New England. So few, comparatively, of the older and full-plu- 

 maged birds are seen that the species is not well known, the 

 younger brown birds being almost indistinguishable from the 

 young of several other Hawks. 



There are several species that receive the name of " Hen Hawk " 

 from the farmer ; but none is so much dreaded as the " Blue Hawk," 

 — and for good reason. With a boldness, strength, and dexterity of 

 flight that is rivalled only by the Peregrine, the Goshawk com- 

 bines a spirit of enterprise worthy of the Osprey, and a ferocity 

 and cunning that are unmatched by any of the tribe. I have seen 

 one swoop into a farmyard while the fowls were being fed, and 

 carry off a half-grown chick without any perceptible pause in the 

 flight. 



VOL. I. — :? 



