BUZZARDS. 129 



With the merlin terminates our typical hawks and falcons 

 and as the family was introduced by the vultures and eagles, it 

 now radiates into the buzzards and harriers, which as birds of 

 prey possess many of the characteristics of the tribe. I will, 

 therefore, begin the sub-family with the buzzards. 



SUB-FAMILY IV. BUTEONLNA. 



Buzzards and Harriers. Genus, Buteo. 



Buzzards, Generic Characters. 



This genus, of which there are only two species in Britain, 

 with occasional visits of a third, are birds of large size, from 15 

 to 25 inches long, and have an affinity to the hawks on the one 

 hand, and to the smaller eagles on the other. Indeed, between 

 the large buzzards and smaller eagles there is no well-marked 

 distinction. The rough-legged buzzard may be said to be the 

 link between them. They are the least active of the family, 

 yet their flight is strong and buoyant like the eagle's. They sail 

 in circles, mouuting to a great height, and search for prey 

 (which consists of small quadrupeds, weak or wounded birds, 

 reptiles, even insects and worms) by flying low over the fields. 

 They seldom pursue birds on the wing, but pounce upon 

 wounded ones on the ground. And Bums, in his satirical song 

 of " Wha will buy my Troggin V not inaptly says — 



" Here is Satan's picture, 

 Like a bizzard gled, 

 Pouncing poor Redcastle, 

 Sprawlin' like a taed." 



Their bill, which curves from the base, is comparatively weak, 

 and without the cutting power of the falcon's • their wings and 

 tail are long ; their plumage soft and downy. They are neither 

 noted for elegance of form, nor for courage and activity ; but 

 are very useful to the farmer in keeping down mice and other 

 vermin. 



