594 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



which surrounds the neck and extends on each side to the ears. 

 Marshy plains, and woods situated in the vicinity of rivers, are their 

 most frequent resorts. They build their nests on the ground, or close 

 to it in the brushwood, and in this respect differ from most of the 

 Falcon family. When searching for their prey they skim over the 

 ground, and take it by surprise ; if the attacked is fortunate enough 

 to avoid the Harrier's onset it is safe from pursuit. In Europe the 



Fig. 278. Common Buzzards. 



best-known species of this family are the Hen Harrier ( Circus cyanetis, 

 Fig. 279), and the Marsh Harrier ( Circus aruginosufy. 



The former bird is about seventeen inches high ; it inhabits all 

 the countries of Europe, and feeds on serpents, rodents, and frogs. 

 When it succeeds in making its way into pigeon-houses or poultry- 

 yards it commits great havoc. 



The latter feeds principally on game, to which it is extremely 

 destructive. Game preservers consequently are their bitterest enemies. 

 Their flight is not swift except when pouncing on their prey, which is 

 done with great certainty and velocity. 



The other species we will mention are the Frog-eating Harrier 



