46 



THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



The eggs, which are from tAvo to five in number, three being the rule, 

 are deposited from the middle of April to the latter part of May, ac- 

 cording to the latitude. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Bare portion of leg in front shorter than middle toe; wing more than 

 12 inches (305'"°>). 



Adult. — Above bluish slate color with blackish shaft streaks; top of 

 head deep black; tail crossed by four dusky bands; below white, thickly 

 barred with narrow zigzag lines of grey; feathers often streaked in 

 middle with dusky. 



Immature. — Above, dusky greyish, feathers margined with buff; be- 

 low, whitish or pale buff with narrow strij^es of blackish. 



Length: 21 to 25 inches (533 to 634"""); extent, 42 to 46 inches (1067 

 to 1169™-"); wing, 12 to 14.25 inches (305 to 362"'"'); tail, 9.50 to 12.75 

 inches (241 to 324 '^^). 



Table showing the results of examinaiions of 28 stomachs of the Goshawk 

 (Accipiter atricapillus) . 



Summary. — Of 28 stomachs exiimmed, 9 contained poultry or game birds; 2, other birds; 10, mam 

 raals ; 3, insects ; 1, centiped ; and 8 were empty. 



