2 The Wilson BuIvLETix— No. 110 



listed here, that have been observed in the state. These 

 are the Pigeon Hawk and Swallow-tailed Kite (Prof. H. 

 Garman, Vertebrate Animals of Kentucky). 



Here as elsewhere the birds of prey, especially the 

 hawks, are severeh^ persecuted by farmer and sportsman 

 and it is almost useless to try to uproot the ill-feeling 

 toward all hawk-kind. The larger owls are generally 

 looked upon as chicken thieves and are killed for that 

 reason. The little screech owl is usually allowed to pursue 

 its career unmolested but there are those who contend 

 that it sliould be destroyed. 



It is with the confidence that this list will be of inter- 

 est to those interested in the hawks and owls of Kentucky 

 that it is presented for publication. 



1. Cathartes aura scptentrionalis — Turkey Vulture. 



A common resident, but is often scarce in winter. Not so 

 abundant as a few years ago. Within the last four or five years 

 much complaint has been made about the buzzards spreading vari- 

 ous live-stock diseases. 



2. Catharista urutu — Black Vulture. 



A rather uncommon resident. Mr. Beckham found it only as 

 a summer resident. I have observed it in every month of the year 

 and very often in wiuter. Usually seen in threes or fours and sel- 

 dom associates with the common species. It is occasionally at- 

 tacked by crows in the same manner as some of the larger hawks. 



3. Circus hndsoniJis — Marsh Hawk. 



A fairly common migrant, especially in the fall. Occasionally 

 seen in mid-winter. Most often observed late in the afternoon 

 skimming low over the fields, at which times it is readily iden- 

 tified by its peculiar flight and white rump. On dissecting one of 

 these birds its stomach was found to contain the remains of a 

 mouse. The large appearance of this bird has led many country 

 folk to consider it as a great enemy to poultry. Mr. Beckham did 

 not observe it here. 



4. Accipiter velox — Sharp-shinned Hawk. 



A fairly common resident. Found breeding in a small beech- 

 wood about two miles southeast of Bardstown. It is more numer- 

 ous in the fall, at which times it is very destructive to song birds. 

 Have several times seen it chase English sparrows, and it occa- 

 sionally visits the outskirts of Bardstown, likely in search of these 

 pests. 



