EASTERN GOSHAAVK 131 



During the invasion of goshawks, in the winter of 1926-1927, 

 in Pennsylvania, Dr. George M. Sutton (1927) reported: 



Of the 251 stomachs which were examined, 49 were empty; 41 held poultry 

 (36 chicken; 1, domestic duck; 1, guinea-fowl; 3, domestic pigeon) ; 79 held 

 game-birds (55 Ruffed Grouse; 1, Blue-winged Teal; 8, Ring-necked Pheasant; 

 15, Bob-white); 73 held game mammals (63, Cottontail Rabbit; 10, Gray 

 Squirrel) ; 27 held small birds (19, sparrow-like birds, species not certain; 2, 

 English Sparrow; 1, Robin; 1, Song Sparrow; 1, Moadowlark ; 2, Blue Jay; 

 1, Hairy Woodpecker) ; 16 held small, non-game mammals (5, Red Squirrel; 

 1, Chipmunk; 3, Field Mouse; 7, White-footed Mouse) two held small snakes; 

 and one held flesh of a dead sheep upon which the hawk was feeding when 

 it was shot. 



Lucien M. Turner (1886) thus describes its feeding habits in 

 Alaska : 



The tracts preferred by this Goshawk are the narrow valleys, borders of 

 streams, and the open tundra, which it constantly scans for Ptarmigan and 

 small mammals ; the Lemming forming a considerable portion of its food. 

 It will sit for hours in some secluded spot, awaiting a Ptarmigan to raise its 

 wings. No sooner does its prey rise a few feet from the earth than with a 

 few rapid strokes of the wing, and a short sail, the Goshawk is brought within 

 seizing distance ; it pounces upon the bird, grasping it with both feet under the 

 wings; and after giving it a few blows on the head they both fall to the 

 ground ; often tumbling several feet before they stop ; the Hawk not relinquish- 

 ing its hold during the time. During the mating season of the Ptarmigans 

 many males suffer death while striving to gain the affection of the female, 

 for as he launches high in air, rattling his hoarse note of defiance to any 

 other male of its kind in the vicinity, the Goshawk darts from a patch of 

 alders or willows, or from the edge of the neighboring bluff, and with a dash 

 they come to the ground, often within a few yards of the terror-stricken female, 

 which now seeks safety in flight as distant as her wings will carry her. I 

 have seen this hawk sail without a quiver of its pinions, until within seizing 

 distance of its quarry, and suddenly throw its wings back, when with a clash 

 they came together, and the vicinity was filled with white feathers, floating 

 peacefully through the air. I secured both birds, and found the entire side of 

 the Ptarmigan ripped open. 



Audubon (1840) says of its hunting: 



He sweeps along the margins of the fields, through the woods, and by the 

 edges of ponds and rivers, with such speed as to enable him to seize his prey 

 by merely deviating a few yards from his course, assisting himself on such 

 occasions by his long tail, which, like a rudder, he throws to the right or 

 left, upwards or downwards, to check his progress, or enable him suddenly 

 to alter his course. At times he passes like a meteor through the underwood, 

 where he secures squirrels and hares with ease. Should a flock of Wild 

 Pigeons pass him when on these predatory excursions, he immediately gives 

 chase, soon overtakes them, and forcing his way into the very centre of the 

 flock, scatters them in confusion, when you may see him emerging with a 

 bird in his talons, and diving towards the depth of the forest to feed upon 

 his victim. * * ♦ 



Along the Atlantic coast, this species follows the numerous flocks of ducks 

 that are found there during autumn and winter, and greatly aids in the 



