288 CIRCUS. 



females, which in colour also bear a great resemblance 

 to some species of that family. The slender form of 

 the body, the rounded form of the feathers of the head, 

 the ruff of narrow curved feathers on the fore neck, 

 and the elongated tarsi, are characters which of them- 

 selves are sufficient to separate the Circi from all other 

 genera of the family, although, like every other group, 

 they exhibit various transitions. 



Three species are found in Britain : the Moor Har- 

 rier, the Common Harrier, and Montagu's Harrier. 

 They frequent uncultivated heaths, or marshy places, 

 repose on the ground, fly low in circles while search- 

 ing for food, seldom seize tlieir prey on wing, nestle 

 among the heath or herbage, and never perch on trees. 

 Their food consists of small quadrupeds, partridges, 

 young grouse, small birds, reptiles, fishes, insects, and 

 sometimes carrion. 



