166 



Birds ok Xokth Carolina 



The Cooper's Hawk is known to be a permanent resident in ail portions of the 

 State, and in many districts is abundant. It may be noted that tlie local names 

 given this species apply as well to the Sharp-shinned Hawk. 



This is the hawk which preys c()nsi>icuously upon chickens, although its misdeeds 

 are very often attributed to the larger, clumsier hawks of the genus Buteo, which 

 arc also commonly and erroneously called "Chicken Hawks." Besides poultry, 

 which of course constitutes only a small portion of its food, this bird preys to a 

 considera])le extent upon various small birds, and seems to have but small liking 

 for the rats, mice, reptiles, and large insects so much esteemed as articles of diet 

 by many of our other hawks. 



Fia. 12 



Cooper's Hawk. 



Tlic nest is often built in the main crotch of a mediuin-.sized tree, or on a limb 

 close to the trunk. It is constructed of twigs or small sticks; sometimes the old 

 nest of a crow or of some other hawk is used. The eggs are two to four in the 

 southern part of its range, and are frequently unmarked, though not uncommonly 

 lightly l)l()tche(l or marked with some shade of brown or drab. Size 1.9.5 .\ 1..50. 

 They are generally laid in May or .June. 



Genus Buteo iLacep.) 



This genus incluiles a numlxT of coinparativcly large and sliiggisli liawks, with 

 rather long and broad wings, and a lucdiiun length of tail. In Europe they are 

 known as "Buzzards." 



