LIST AND DESCRIPTION 83 
plumage is similar to that of the last, but the bird is larger, 
measuring from fifteen to nineteen inches. The female is 
longer than the male but the difference, as in the Sharp-shinned 
is in the extra length of tail. 
The food of this Hawk is about the same as that of the 
Sharp-shinned, and the bird should be persecuted with the same 
earnestness. Being larger than the Sharp-shinned it will prob- 
ably destroy more poultry. | 
334. GosHAWK (Astur atricapillus atricapillus.) “Hen Hawke.” 
This Hawk usually nests in the northern part of North 
America and is regarded as only a winter visitor, although it 
probably nests sometimes in our State. Length from twenty 
to twenty-four inches; female slightly larger; back bluish gray; 
crown and area back of eyes black; white line over eyes; under 
parts white, irregularly finely barred with gray, and with occa- 
sional black streaks extending lengthwise; tail with four or five 
blackish bars. ™ 
If this Hawk were a summer resident it would probably 
be the most destructive of all Hawks to poultry, as, on-account 
of its large size, it is capable of carrying away full-grown hens. 
It also destroys many game birds such as Quail, Grouse and 
Prairie Chickens. It therefore comes in the list of harmful 
Hawks and should be killed. 
337. ReEp-TAILED Hawk (Buteo borealis borealis.) 
A rather common Hawk over most of the State during the 
nesting season; twenty to twenty-five inches in length, the fe- 
male larger; tail usually reddish brown, tipped with white and 
a subterminal black band, although occasionally one will be seen 
with several narrow black bars on the tail. Above, blackish 
brown, the brown-tipped crown feathers showing white when 
raised. Under parts whitish, usually with a dark area across 
the belly. In the voung the upper tail surface is often grayish 
with several darker bars. The plumage of the Red-tailed Hawks 
varies in color so that it is impossible to give a description that | 
will apply to all individuals. 
This Hawk is heavier than the preceding species although 
its length is the same, and it is not so agile in flight. Examina- 
tion of many stomachs reveals the fact that it lives on snakes, 
mice and other small rodents and should be protected. 
