HABITS OF THE ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK 



135 



The conspicuous dark tipped wings and belted body enable one to 

 identify this species considerably beyond gun range. 



These hawks are seen skirting timber-lands, but not frequenting 

 the woods. They prefer open prairies and wet meadows. Their 

 methods of feeding are first by "watchful waiting." The bird quietly 

 perches upon a stump or post not far above the ground and there 

 awaits the appearance of a field mouse, shrew, or other small ani- 



Fig. 52. Rough-legged Hawk, dark phase. 



mal, upon which it descends without dash or evident spirit. The sec- 

 ond method simulates that of the Marsh Hawk. Coursing back and 

 forth over the field or along the margin of the slough, the Rough-leg 

 drops easily upon such small prey as it may find, often hunting very 

 late in the evening, its crepuscular habits characterizing it as the most 

 nocturnal of our diurnal birds of prey. 



The food of the Rough-legged Hawk is such as to warrant us in 

 calling it one of the farmer's best friends. Though it. does not re- 



