AUDUBON S CARACAEA. 



129 



The Mexican Eagle, as this species is sometimes called, is an inof- 

 fensive bird, feeding for the most part on carrion and offal. Besides 

 doing great service as a scavenger, it destroys nnmerous small rodents 

 as well as injurions insects, for which it deserves protection. 



The nest, which in most cases is a mere platform with a shallow 

 depression, is a bnlky structure, composed of small twigs, flags, reeds, 

 coarse grass, or weed stalks, lined with fine grass, leaves, cotton, or 

 Spanish moss. It is to be found in a great variety of situations according 

 to the locality; on the plains where there is a scarcity of suitable vegeta- 

 tion it is placed in low bushes a few feet high, while along the river bot- 

 toms where large trees abound, it is located high up among the branches 

 40 or 50 feet from the ground. The eggti, which are from two to four in 

 number, are deposited in the first half of April, in most if not all portions 

 of its United States range. Both males and females assist in the du- 

 ties of incubation. In most parts of the country the bird is considered 

 shy, not allowing a person to approach within gun range, though in 

 some of the southern countries it is as tame and unsuspicious as the 

 vultures with which it associates. 



The Caracara has the habit in common with some other birds of sit- 

 ting for hours in an exposed place with ruffled plumage and half-spread 

 wings exposed to the sun, for the purpose of absorbing the warmth of 

 its rays. Unlike most of the birds of prey this species walks on the 

 ground with ease and grace, and is able to catch agile insects by run- 

 ning after them. Unlike most birds of prey the Caracara frequently 

 carries food in its beak while flying, though the larger morsels, as well as 

 the nesting material, are usually held in the talons. The flight is strong 

 and elegant and resembles closely that of the turkey-buzzard. 



DESCRIPTION. 



General plumage, black, with upper part of back and breast barred 

 with white; lower portion of head, neck, chest, and feathers covering 

 base of tail, soiled white; upper two-thirds of tail white, crossed by 

 about thirteen to fourteen narrow bars. 



Length: 20.50 to 25 inches (520 to 635'"'"); extent, 47 to 49 inches 

 (1104 to 1245"'"); wing, 14.50 to 16.50 inches (367 to 419'"'"); tail, 8.75 

 to 10 inches (222 to 254"'"^). 



Table shoicing the results of examinations of 2 stomachs of Audubon's Caracara 

 {Polyborus cheriiray). 



Summary. — Of two stomaehs I'xaniiued, one contained carrion and maggots and the other mammal 

 remains. 



7626—^0. 3- 



