344 ACCIPITER PALUMBARIUS. 



undulated, and the head and cheek-bands deep black. Mr 

 Audubon, however, states that the American Goshawk exhibits 

 numerous variations of plumage, some having transverse bars 

 of large size on the breast, and even if it should be distinct 

 from the European bird, its habits are probably very similar. 

 They are thus described by him : — 



" The flight of the Goshawk is extremely rapid and pro- 

 tracted. 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 emerg- 

 ing with a bird in his talons, and diving towards the depths of 

 the forest to feed upon his victim. When travelling, he flies 

 high, with a constant beat of the wings, seldom moving in large 

 circles like other hawks, and when he does this, it is only a few 

 times in a hurried manner, after which he continues his jour- 

 ney." He further describes it as restless, seldom alighting un- 

 less to devour its prey, which consists of small quadrupeds, 

 grouse, ducks, pigeons, snipes, and other birds. Its nest, 

 which is placed on the branches of a tree, near the trunk, is 

 large, and constructed of twigs and coarse grass, with a lining 

 of fibrous materials. The eggs dull bluish- white, or greenish- 

 white, sometimes spotted with brown, but often without mark- 

 ings. Those of the European Goshawk, according to M. Tem- 

 minck, are greenish-grey, without spots. 



Young. — When fledged the young difl^er much in colour 

 from their parents. The bill is dark brown, paler toward the 

 base ; the cere and legs greenish yellow, the claws brownish- 

 black. On the upper part of the head the feathers are dark 



