58 



Genus Ictinia Vieill. 



60. I. mississippiensis Graij. Mississippi Kite. Abundant. 

 This species would appear at the same time in the morning as the 

 preceding, but would remain until late in the afternoon. Instead of 

 choosing the same hunting ground as the swallow-tail, this bird kept 

 about the open, marshy piece of land between Cairo and the woods 

 and about the border of the latter. They were also more numerous 

 than the other species ; nearly fifty were counted at one time, all cir- 

 cling about over the marshy land just outside the town. 



Their power of sight is truly wonderful. I saw them repeatedly 

 dart with unerring aim upon some luckless grasshopper, from an ele- 

 vation of at least one hundred yards. 



No less remarkable is their power of flight, in force and rapidity far 

 excelling that of the preceding. Near Mound City they were common 

 about the border of the woods and here their power of flight was 

 exhibited to a better advantage. I repeatedly saw them dart down 

 from a great height with such velocity that it would seem an impossi- 

 bility for them to escape being dashed to pieces on the ground, but 

 instead, when within a few feet of the earth, they would suddenly 

 spread their wings and the reaction would lift them with almost equal 

 rapidity to about one-half their former elevation. They were so shy 

 that it was impossible to get within gunshot of them. 



Genus Buteo Cuv. 



61. B. lineatus Jard. Red-shouldered Hawk. Common every- 

 where about clearings containing dead trees or on the borders of 

 woods. 



62. B. borealis Vieill. Eed-talled Hawk. Only two or three 

 specimens observed. 



Family CATHARTIDJE. 

 Genus Rhinogryphus Bidg. 

 63. R. aura liidg. Turkey Buzzard. Very numerous and much 

 more familiar than at Mt. Carmel. 



Family COLUMBIDiEI. 



Genus Zenaedura Bonap. 

 64. Z. carolinensis Bonap. Carolina Dove. Not common, 

 few were seen along the railroad tracks and the levees. 



