232 ACCIPITER. 



narrow and extremely mobile, forms a powerful instru- 

 ment by which the bird is enabled to execute the most 

 delicate as well as the most decided changes in the di- 

 rection of its course. The species are extremely ac- 

 tive, as daring as the falcons, and prey exclusively on 

 living objects, which they seize with admirable dexte- 

 rity. Their flight is commonly low, and as they pass 

 over the fields or woods they dart upon their prey, 

 whether it be in the air, among the branches, or on the 

 ground. They neither soar to a great height, like the 

 eagles, nor sail in circles like the falcons and buzzards, 

 but skim along near the ground, with a rapid motion, 

 sometimes proceeding straight forward, sometimes de- 

 viating to either side, and occasionally hovering over a 

 field, or alighting on a stick or tree to look around 

 them. It is unnecessary here to enter into any further 

 details respecting their habits. The history of the two 

 species which occur in this country will enable one to 

 form a general idea of their nature, more especially 

 if he compare with it that of the American species, F. 

 Stanleii or Cooperii, and F. pennsylvanicus, as given by 

 Wilson, Mr Audubon, and Prince Charles Lucien Bo- 

 naparte. 



