OF NEW ENGLAND. 359 
(a). 20-24 inches long. Above, ashy or slate, becoming 
blackish on the head. ‘Tail with dark bands and a white tip. 
Superciliary line and under parts, white; the latter waved or 
barred, and finely streaked, with ashy-brown or slate. 
(bd). The nest is usually built of sticks, ete., in a tall tree. 
The eggs measure about 2°25%1°'75 of an inch, or more, and 
are white, strongly tinged with blue or green, and sometimes 
marked with brown. 
(c). The handsome Gos-hawks are constant residents in 
northern New England, and also in Massachusetts, where, 
however, they are so extremely rare in summer that I have 
found but one nest, and have seen only two pairs. In winter, 
they are seldom common near Boston, though their numbers 
vary from year to year. They are very spirited and de- 
structive, feeding principally upon rabbits, squirrels, pigeons, 
grouse, and ducks. ‘They are also very active, perching and 
sailing comparatively little. They move, often at a consider- 
able height, with a regular beating of the wings, which is re- 
doubled, should they give chase to a flock of birds, when they 
move with a speed unsurpassed by that of any other hawk. I 
have seen one press into a company of Pine Grosbeaks and 
seize one in each foot. On perceiving a single bird of tempt- 
ing size, they sometimes secure it by diving from above, when, 
without a moment’s pause, they carry it to a perch. In the 
woods they fly rather low, ready to drop upon their prey, but 
so rapidly that one might imagine that their sight would be 
blurred. I have been surprised to observe how easily, when 
guiding themselves among the trees, they detect the presence 
of a partridge or squirrel. ‘They are not, however, capable of 
constant activity, and occasionally, gracefully sailing up to 
some perch, they watch for their prey, sometimes. doing so in 
open land. They stand with an erectness observable in other 
hawks, and are spirited even when at rest. 
(d). For a greater part of the year they live singly and si- 
lently, but in spring I have heard them utter loud screams. 
