BIRDS OF KANSAS 107 



there are no Fish Hawks to depend upon, this bird finds 

 an easy subsistence on the vast numbers of dead and dying 

 sahnon which abound." 



While these birds are rather indolent, and prefer to be 

 robbers rather than self-sustaining, they do not lack in 

 courage nor in ability to capture their prey. I have, on 

 several occasions, seen them plunge for and catch fish that 

 were swimming near the surface of the water; they also 

 readily kill Ducks, Geese, lambs, little pigs, etc. They are 

 easily tamed. One that I had in confinement for a long 

 time, became not only familiar, but. appeared to be greatly 

 attached to me, and would recognize me at a long distance, 

 calling loudly, and on my near approach, with quivering 

 wings, and in various ways, expressed joy, keeping up a 

 soft, whistling note — that was at times quite musical — 

 until I reached her. She loved to be petted ; would rub her 

 head against my face, and allow me to lift her from the 

 perch ; a rather rough playmate, that often tore my clothes 

 in attempting to alight upon my shoulder, but not inten- 

 tionally, and never appeared to be angry with me, but 

 would not allow strangers to touch her. 



Their nests are usually placed on high trees, along the 

 banks of streams, but occasionally, where trees are not 

 convenient, built on high, rocky cliffs; a huge platform 

 structure, made of large sticks, and lined with twigs, 

 grasses, and a few feathers. Eggs usually two, sometimes 

 as high as four ; average measurements, as given by others, 

 about 2.90x2.30; but two, that I collected at ;N'eah Bay, 

 Washington, only measure: 2.50x1.95, 2.60x2.00; dull 

 white, unmarked; in form, rounded oval. 



