218 PANDION CAROLINENSIS — THE FISH HAWK. 



and specimens from Western America even more inti- 

 mately resemble it. It is, however, larger, and retains in 

 all the specimens that we have seen, differently i'ormed 

 spots on the breast, being heart shaped and circular instead 

 of nairow and lanceolate, as in the European species." 



In habits all the Fish Hawks are models of industry, and 

 are perfectly harmless to everything but fish. They never 

 attack quadruped or bird, although armed in the most 

 dangerous manner. Their flight is elegant, sweeping in 

 beautiful curves. When he sees a fish suited to his wants, 

 he descends with great swiftness into the water, often dis- 

 appearing for a lew moments among the foam and spray, 

 but soon emerging, he rises with his struggling victim 

 grasped in his powerful talons. It he bears to his eyrie, 

 supplying his family with abundance of food. In America 

 the nest is generally to be found on trees, but in Europe 

 some ancient ruin is preferred. It is large, and in general 

 sufficient to make a good load for a cart. The materials 

 are sticks of various sizes, mingled with grass and seaweed 

 if in the neighborliood of the ocean. The eggs are from 

 two to four, of the shape of those of the common fowl, but 

 a little larger, and vary from dark cream color to white 

 splashed with dark Spanish brown all over. The eggs 

 usually hatch about the last of June, and the young are 

 abundantly supplied with food by both parents, who exhibit 

 every sign of extreme watchfulness and care of their off- 

 spring. A remarkable trait recorded of this Hawk is that 

 it will permit the Purple Orakle, or Crow Blackbird — Quis- 

 calus versicolor — to build its nest in the interstices of that 

 of the Hawk. Thej^ live together in the greatest harmony, 

 and carry on the business of life without interference. 



The length of the adult female Hawk is about 25 inches; 

 wing 21|; tnil 10:^ inches. Color: Head and under parts 

 white; crown and hind head white; front brownish, with a 

 wide stripe of dark brown through the eye, and extending 

 down the neck behind; wings and tail deep brown, shaded 



