5§ 



BRITISH NESTING BIRDS 



Voice. — A feeble and tremulous chatter. 



Chief Features. — This Harrier does resort to hovering like a Hawk, 

 but, in spite of this habit, is more fond of keeping to the ground 

 than its two British relatives. This species is named after 

 Montagu, who was the first ornithologist to point out its right 

 to inclusion as a British bird. 



Plumage. — Bluish-grey above; black primaries; three transverse 

 dark bars on secondaries; white lateral feathers of tail barred 

 with reddish-orange; white underneath, streaked in a varying 

 manner with reddish-orange. The female has various tints of 

 brown above, and pale reddish-yellow below, with bright-red 

 streaks of a longitudinal character; black beak; yellow legs 

 and feet. Length. — Eighteen inches. 



HAWFINCH (Coccotkraustes vulgaris) 



Local Names. — Black-Throated Grosbeak, Cherry Finch, Chuck, 



Cobble Bird, Grosbeak, Ground Wren, Haw Grosbeak, Kate. 

 Haunt. — Woods, commons, hedgerows, and large gardens. 

 Xesting Period. — May. 



Site of Nest. — Usually from five to twenty-five feet from the ground 

 in a tall bush or tree, such as holly and fir, or among ivy. 



Materials Used. — Small twigs, plant stems, 

 and lichen, lined with hair and roots. 

 Sometimes no hair is present. A 

 loosely-made but not untidy nest. 

 Eggs. — Three to Five. Greenish-grey, 

 streaked with bluish-black, and spotted 

 with brown. 

 Food. — Insects, berries, and fruit. Very 



fond of peas. 

 Voice. — A low, plaintive note of a pleasant 



description. 

 Chief Features. — A bold, handsome Finch, 

 at once identified by the large head and strong, massive beak. 

 Very local in distribution. 

 l'lumage. — Black on lores, throat, and base of bill; reddish-brown 

 cheeks and crown; ashy-grey nape; dark reddish-brown back; 

 black wings, white on great coverts; light purplish-red under- 

 neath. Length. — Seven inches. 



HAWK. SPARROW (Accipiter nisus) 



Local Names. — Blue Hawk, Blue Merlin, Gwepia, Pigeon Hawk. 

 flaunt. — Woods, commons, sea cliffs, and open fields. 

 Nesting Period. -April t<. June 



5. Head of Hawfinch. 



