78 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



set is two, though three, and occasionally four or five are found. In 

 Texas it commences ncst-lmilding in March, while in the northern 

 United States it is the last of April before it begins, and the first of 

 June before the young appear. 



By preference it frequents the timber in the vicinity of streams, 

 though often it is found far out on the prairie, where its only perch is 

 the earth mound of some mamnnd, or some other slightly elevated 

 knoll. In the fall this s]>ecies congregates in large flocks, Avhich often 

 number several hundred individuals, and in certain localities where 

 food is abundant they remain together. When the bird first starts 

 from the gnmnd the flight is heavy and clumsy, but in a few moments 

 it becomes easy an<l graceful and may be long protracted. At times 

 the flocks or even individnals will mount high in air and circle for 

 hours, seemingly lor no otlier ]»nrposc tlian ;imusement. 



When ca])tured young it makes a very interesting pet and soon be- 

 comes tame, as the following, from tlic pen of Mr. Eobert Eidgway, 

 testifies: "At our camp in Parley Park we reared four young birds of 

 this species, Avhich Avere taken IVom their nests while in the downy 

 state. As they grew up under our care tliey became very pleasing 

 l)ets, being exceedingly docile, and much attached to those who fed 

 them. VN'hen snrti<'iently old to use their wings they showed no dispo- 

 sition to leave, although they were allowed full liberty all the while; 

 and though they made frequent tours of inspection over the neighbor- 

 ing meadows, and occasional foraging excursions among the flocks of 

 Blackbirds {Scolecophayus cyanoeephalus) which frequented the vicinity, 

 they seldom went far away, and always returned after a short absence. 

 They were fed principally u])on bits of fresh beef and mutton, varied 

 occasionally by the carcasses of birds we had skinned. Their chief 

 amusement about camp consisted in chasing grasshoppers over the 

 ground, which they pursued by leaping after them, with the wings ex- 

 tended; but when not engaged in this occupation they usually perched 

 (piietly upon the fence near by or upon the tents." (U.S. Geo!. Explor. 

 of the Fortieth Parallel, King, vol. IV, 1877, p. 587.) 



DESCKIPTION. 



Only three outer wing feathers, with inner web distinctly cut out. 

 Tail grayish brown, sometimes with a hoary tinge, crossed by a number 

 of narroAv dusky bands, which grow less distinct towards base. Above, 

 giayish brown; forehead, chin, and throat, white; upper part of breast, 

 jilain rufous, cinnamon, or grayish brown; rest of lower parts, buflfy 

 white, sometimes unspotted, but usually more or less barred or spotted 

 with whitish. From the above there are all phases of plumage to a 

 uniform sooty brown. 



Lerif/th: Pi.50 to 22 inches (495 to 559""^'); extent, 48 to 56 inches 

 (1220 to 1423'"'"); wing, 14.50 to 17.25 inches (368 to 438"""); tail, 8 to 

 10 inches (203 to 254""" ). 



