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24 ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY. 
(Buteo borealis), but are a little more of a bluish-white in 
the ground-color. 
For some reason, this species was quite abundant in 
the neighborhood of Boston in the winter of 1859-60: 
probably a dozen or fifteen specimens were sent to me in 
the different plumages, and I have heard of many others 
being shot in the same season. 
IT have had but few opportunities for studying the habits 
of this hawk, and, as my observations have been very 
meagre, I will give Audubon’s description, which, so far as 
my experience goes, is very accurate ; it is as follows : — 
“The flight of the Goshawk is extremely rapid and protracted. 
He sweeps along the margins of the fields, through the woods, and 
by the edges of ponds and rivers, with such speed as to enable him 
to seize his prey by merely deviating a few yards from his course ; 
assisting himself on such occasions by his long tail, which, like a— 
rudder, he throws to the right or left, upwards or downwards, to 
check his progress, or enable him suddenly to alter his course. 
At times he passes like a meteor through the underwood, where 
he secures squirrels and hares with ease. Should a flock of wild 
pigeons pass him when on these predatory excursions, he imme- 
diately gives chase, soon overtakes them, and, forcing his way into 
the very centre of the flock, scatters them in confusion, when you 
may see him emerging with a bird in his talons, and diving towards 
the depth of the forest to feed upon his victim. When travelling, 
he flies high, with a constant beat of the wings, seldom moving in 
large circles like other hawks; and, when he does this, it is only 
a few times in a hurried manner, after which he continues his 
journey. 
* Along the Atlantic Coast, this species follows the numerous 
flocks of ducks that are found there during the autumn and winter ; 
and greatly aids in the destruction of mallards, teals, black ducks, 
and other species, in company with the Peregrine Falcon (/alco 
anatém). It is a restless bird, apparently more vigilant and indus- 
trious than many other hawks, and it seldom alights unless to 
devour its prey; nor can I recollect ever having seen one alighted 
for many minutes at a time, without having a bird in its talons. 
