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Its flight is vigorous, and it is capable of sustaining itself on the 

 wing for a long time. It sweeps over the surface of the ground in 

 pursuit of mice and frogs, and performs its graceful and serial evo- 

 lutions at so great a height as to appear no larger than a Swallow. 

 At this distance it carefully observes what is passing below — and 

 should an object as small as an unfledged Partridge present itself, its 

 fate is sealed. Having espied its prey, it suddenly checks its 

 course, and usually alights on the nearest tree, from which it de- 

 scends in such a direct line that it seldom misses the object of its 

 pursuit. 



Shy and suspicious, it is difficult to approach unless on horse- 

 back or in a wagon, when you can advance within gun-shot with- 

 out exciting alarm. I have occasionally seen it sitting on the shrub 

 oaks, though usually it alights on the uppermost branches of the 

 tallest forest trees, and selects similar situations to build its nest. 



