308 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



for their food long after sunset, and Mr. Eichardson speaks of their hunting 

 for their prey " by the subdued daylight which illuminates even the mid- 

 night hours in the high parallels of latitude." For these nocturnal hunts it 

 is well fitted by the softness of its plumage, which renders its flight noiseless, 

 like that of the more nocturnal birds. 



These birds were once quite abundant in the low lands and marshes in the 

 vicinity of Boston, ]3ut are now comparatively rare. They were abundant 

 during October and November, and again in April. They usually kept on or 



Archibuteo sancti-johannis (black plumage). 



near the ground, appeared to feed chiefly on small quadrupeds or reptiles, 

 were never known to molest the poultry-yard, or even to destroy other 

 birds. 



They were very wary, and when approached with a gun would slowly and 

 deliberately move off to a safer distance. Wilson found them quite abun- 

 dant, during the winter months, in the meadows on the Delaware and Schuyl- 

 kill Elvers, near Philadelphia, where they are still common. Though ren- 

 dered very shy by the frequent attempts made to shoot them, they would 

 never fly far at a time, usually from one tree to another, making a loud 

 squealing noise as they arose. They all disappeared early in April. 



He also speaks of them as common during winter in the lower parts 

 of Maryland, as well as in the extensive meadows below Newark, N. J. 

 He mentions having often seen this Hawk coursinij; over the surface of 

 meadows long after sunset, and many times in pairs. They roost near these 

 low grounds, and take their station at daybreak near a ditch, watching with 

 patient vigilance for their prey. 



