121 
this the best distinction between them is the lack of any indication in this species of reddish 
on the shoulders or upper wing coverts and the presence of a roughly circular, unspotted, 
area on the breast. 
Field Marks. Adults can be recognized specifically in life by the red tail, and all 
ages generically by their characteristic Buzzard outline of short wings and broad, ample, 
round tail. Juveniles are only likely to be mistaken for the Red-shouldered; from these 
the white breast and the voice are probably the most reliable guides. The call of the 
Red-shouldered is identical with some of the Blue Jay calls. The notes of the Red- 
tailed are similar, but different enough in quality and execution to be recognizable after 
having once been heard. 
Distribution. Eastern North America north to near the tree limit. Breeds in Canada 
wherever found. 
SUBSPECIES. The Red-tailed Hawk is represented in Canada by several subspecies 
but only the typical form, the Eastern Red-tail, is to be looked for in the east. 
Nesting. High up in trees in the larger woodland patches. 
The Red-tailed is a shy and a cautious Hawk. It is more often seen 
sailing in great circles high overhead than close by. It requires larger and 
wilder woodland patches than the Red-shouldered for its headquarters in 
summer, though like that species it hunts in the surrounding open. 
Economic Status. This large, fine bird occupies a debatable position of 
usefulness and so much depends upon local conditions and the personal 
characteristics of individuals that no hard and fast conclusion respecting 
it can be laid down. Of 473 stomach examinations, 54 contained poultry 
or game birds; 51, other birds; 278, mice; 131, other mammals; 37, 
batrachians or reptiles; 47, insects; 8, crayfish; 1, centipede: and 13 offal. 
Of the ‘‘other mammals”’ 16 were rabbits or grey squirrels. This gives us 
about 121 food items against and 464 for the species, and there are 48 that 
ean be regarded as neutral besides the 13 of offal that can only be listed 
as favourable. It should also be borne in mind in studying these food 
contents that those birds coming closest to the farmyard are the most likely 
to be shot and have their stomachs examined. Hence there is a certain 
amount of unfavourable selection against the species as a whole in the 
choice of evidence, that should be allowed for. 
The species is, on the whole, exceedingly useful and does considerably 
more good than harm. Individuals, however, frequently get into the habit 
of regularly visiting the poultry yard. These are nearly always young 
birds of the year in search of easy prey. The old birds are usually too 
cautious for this. There can be no question that such individuals should be 
eliminated as quickly as possible, but it certainly cannot be maintained that 
a generally useful species should be systematically persecuted for the bad 
habits of a few. In economic ornithology it is a good rule, when the 
evidence is delicately balanced, to give the bird the benefit of the doubt. 
339. Red-shouldered Hawk. cHICKEN HAWK. FR.—LA BUSE A MANTEAU ROUX. 
Buteo lineatus. L, 18-30. Plate XIII B. 
Distinctions. The reddish underparts of the adults. Juvenile plumage may be 
similar to the young Red-tailed, but its inferior size and the presence of at least an indica- 
tion of rufous on the shoulders or wing-coverts and the spotting of centre of breast will 
distinguish it. 
Field Marks. With its characteristic Buteo outline and habits it is not likely to be 
confused with any other species than the Red-tailed. The lack of red tail and the ruddy 
underparts will distinguish adults. For juveniles the voice and size are probably the most 
reliable guides. The notes of this species are so like certain calls of the Blue Jay that they 
can be differentiated with difficulty. The Red-tail’s screams are of similar nature, but quite 
distinguishable. 
