Open Nests on the Ground 
still the common game bird of the Central States. The habits dur- 
ing the mating season have been well described by Colonel Goss. 
‘*They select a smooth open courtship ground (usually called a 
scratching ground), where the males assemble at the early dawn 
to vie with each other in courage and pompous display, uttering 
at the same time their love call, a loud booming noise; as soon 
as this is heard by the hen birds desirous of mating, they quietly 
put in an appearance, squat upon the ground, apparently indiffer- 
ent observers, until claimed by victorious rivals.” 
They breed towards the end of Aprilin Kansas and Nebraska. 
Incubation occupies from three to four weeks. 
825. Turkey Vulture or Buzzard: Cathartes aura (Linn.) 
Eggs creamy white with brownish or reddish blotches and 
purplish spots. 
See Page 57, Chapter II. 
8326. Black Vulture: Catharista atrata (Bartr.) 
Eggs bluish white with dark brown blotches. 
See Page 58, Chapter Il. 
8331. Marsh Harrier or Marsh Hawk: Circus hudsonius 
(Linn.) 
Adult 6—Upper parts light bluish gray; rump white; tail barred 
black or brownish; breast light gray at upper part shading 
into white; belly white barred warm brown. 
Adult 2 —Upper parts dark brownish; wing coverts edged with 
light rusty brown; under parts dark buff streaked with 
brown. : 
Immature birds resemble the adult @ without the streaks 
on the belly. ¢ Length—19.00. 
Breeding Range—The entire United States. 
The nest is placed on the ground, and is ‘from three to 
seven inches high and a foot or more in diameter;”’ it is formed 
of grass, twigs, and sometimes moss. The eggs are white or 
bluish white, occasionally marked with pale brown spots. Size 
—1.80 x 1.45. 
37 
