OF NEW ENGLAND. 367 
finally the simplicity of their fare, which consists chiefly of frogs 
and mice, but also, it is said, of wounded birds. They usually 
remain perched in their chosen haunts, regardless of weather, 
until some small quadruped attracts their notice, when, with 
the impulse received from ‘a few beats of their wings, they drop 
down upon their prey. ‘They may sometimes be seen sailing 
about with great ease and but little motion of the wings. They 
often stand motionless for a surprising length of time. I re- 
member passing over the Boston and Providence Rail-road in 
March, and remarking, at about eleven o’clock in the morning, 
a hawk of this species stationed on the Fowl Meadows beyond 
Readville. On returning, toward sunset, I saw him in the 
same tree, though it is probable that he had made several sallies 
during the day. Such is the characteristic life of the Rough- 
legged Buzzards, but, in so cold a winter-climate as tbat of 
Boston, they are frequently obliged to resort to woods and 
higher grounds. I have seen one catch a squirrel, and another 
feed upon a Quail. 
(d). Wilson speaks of their ‘‘making a loud squeeling as 
they arise, something resembling the neighing of a young colt ; 
tho in a more shrill and savage tone.” Dr. Cooper speaks 
of their “loud scream.” 
Vil. AQUILA 
(A) cukysaETus (var. CANADENSIS). Golden Eagle. Ring- 
tailed Eagle (young). 
(In Massachusetts, extremely rare.) 
(a). 80-40 inches long. Tursus thickly feathered. Dark 
brown, varying from purplish to blackish, becoming rich ful- 
yous on the hind-head and neck. Young, with the tail partly 
white. 
(v). The nest is built on cliffs, or rarely in trees. The eggs 
are most often two in number, and are three inches long or 
more. They are white, usually blotched with brown.® 
¢This description, as one or two of the others, is gathered from those of 
other writers. 
