1913 ' J Cameron, Swainson'a Hawk in Montana. 385 



if its stoop be true, it will split the skull of a fox at one blow, and 

 its strength is such that it can easily knock over a young wolf, or a 

 sheep. Even a Kirghiz in the saddle (so the natives say) cannot 

 resist it if it comes at him on the wing. This unfortunately hap- 

 pens sometimes it' the Eagle misses its prey. To fly at a wolf the 

 largest and strongest bird is selected. It stoops again and again 

 at the beast, eventually seizing it by the head and neck. Occasion- 

 ally the wolf contrives to shake off the bird with a frantic effort, 

 or by rolling on the ground ; but if it has a good start and goes away 

 full speed, the falconer follows on horse-back and helps his bird to 

 kill the quarry." It is also asserted by the Kirghiz that wild eagles 

 "will attack and kill the wolf" (p. 170). 



As regards the capture of flying birds by the Golden Eagle: 

 my brother Mr. Allan Gordon Cameron, has frequently descried 

 an eagle on the Island of Jura, Scotland, " hawking grouse just as a 

 peregrine will do," and, on one occasion the royal bird in full chase 

 of a grouse passed within a few feet of his head as already related 

 in 'The Auk.' Moreover Mr. Seton Gordon has conclusively 

 shown that this splendid raptor easily cuts down flying ptarmigan 

 with a blow from its wing. In Montana, a Golden Eagle has been 

 observed to attempt the capture of a wild goose (Branta canadensis) 

 from a northward-bound flock. 1 



The Harrier (Circus cyaneus) which is not specifically distinct 

 from the Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsoniu.s) is considered the most 

 ignoble of hawks and about the least likely to strike down a flying 

 quarry. Nevertheless, I have myself observed the latter to chase 

 birds on the wing, and Dr. A. K. Fisher has seen it do so "in a few 

 instances." 2 



In the review of a Persian treatise on falcony translated by 

 Colonel Phillott, we read: " Our Persian prince, however, succeeded 

 in training one (a harrier) to take a Chuhor, or Red-legged par- 

 tridge, and on a second occasion, when in Baghdad, he wagered a 

 valuable mare with some local sportsmen that within the space of 

 fifty days he would reclaim a harrier, and successfully fly it at wild 

 quarry. He flew it in the presence of his friends, and took with it 

 a black partridge (or francolin), a quail, and a rail." 3 



» See Auk, XXV, 1908, pp. 258-259. 



J Hawks and Owls of the United States, p. 28. 



■ London Field, April 10, 1909. 



