I 88 Lloyd on Birds of Western Texas. [Ju'y 



70. Cathartes aura. Turkey Vulture. — Arrives March 17 (earliest 

 date recorded), and remains abundant through the summer, breeding in 

 caves, but frequently on the bare edge of a bluff. Clutches found contain 

 only two eggs (one, doubtful whether this or next, having three). First 

 one found Ma j 6 ; last one June 10. Leave in September. 



After trying various experiments, I notice that although they may smell 

 their prey finally, they often seize and devour it before it has time to 

 smell. These Vultures, the Carrion Crows, and Ravens frequently line 

 the trees or posts waiting for a sheep to die, if in an exposed place. 



71. Catharista atrata. Black Vulture. — Arrives March 10 to 20. and 

 nearly equals the last in numbers. Breeds on bare rocks— June 13, i884 - 

 two eggs. 



72. Elanus leucurus. White-tailed Kite. — Rare fall visitor. 



73. Ictinia mississippiensis. Mississippi Kite. — Common in fall, in 

 Socks of two to ten. A few must breed, as I have noted them in all the 

 summer months. 



74. Circus hudsonius. Marsh Harrier. — Abundant resident. No 

 nests have been found referable without doubt to this species. A great 

 pest to the poultry yard. I have seen them eating carrion. One at the 

 present date (January, 1SS7), frequently eats the carcasses of birds I 

 have skinned, standing on the ground for that purpose. Generally they 

 fiy off with their prey, but eat it on the ground. The Sharp-shinned Hawk 

 turns the wire-fence barbs to account, anil the Cooper's occasionally will 

 join the Marsh Harrier in eating a fresh-skinned carcass. 



75. Accipiter velox. Siiari'-shinned Hawk. — Abundant in fall; less 

 so in winter. An excessively bold Hawk. I have seen it fly away with a 

 pullet as big or bigger than itself, so heavy that its legs dragged the 

 ground. 



76. Accipiter cooperi. Cooper's Hawk. — Another pest of the poultry 

 yard. One flying after some tame Pigeons flew with force through a win- 

 dow in the barn, and was picked up stunned. Abundant in fall ; less so 

 in winter, 



77. Accipiter atricapillus striatulus. Western Goshawk. — I shot a 

 male that was digesting a Meadow Lark, in December, 1SS5, and saw its 

 mate several times. 



78. Buteo borealis calurus. Western Red-tail. — Abundant resident. 

 Breeds from April 22 to May 22. Full clutch, three eggs. Feeds on 

 prairie-dogs, cotton-tails, jack rabbits, and occasionally brings a Scaled 

 Quail to its young. The plumages vary greatly, some birds having very 

 dark under-parts, — but I believe they are referable to this variety. 



79. Buteo lineatus. Red-shouldered Hawk. — Resident ; rare. Breeds 

 (May 10, 1 8S2, three eggs). I have never seen them in winter, but my 

 friend, Mr. Loomis, has several specimens shot by him in November and 

 December, 1SS5. 



80. Buteo abbreviatus. Zone-tailed Hawk. — Fall visitant. One 

 noted September 10, 1SS4. 



81. Buteo albicaudatus. White-tailed Hawk.— Fall and winter 



