GOSHAWK 



PLATE XVIII. 

 Aster palumbarius . . . . . LINNAEUS. 



A I A HE nest of the Goshawk is rarely to be found in the 

 1 British Islands, where the bird itself is rare even in its 

 season of migration ; it being a habitant of the wooded dis- 

 tricts of the north of Europe. 



The nest is usually built in tall fir or other trees, is large 

 in size, flat in shape, and composed of sticks, grass, and 

 moss, loosely put together ; probably the coarser materials 

 are most made use of. 



This bird, like others of its tribe, is believed to be fre- 

 quently in the habit of occupying the same nest for several 

 years in succession, making the necessary repairs from time 

 to time. Though a short-winged species, yet its great power 

 and strength cause it to be largely used in hawking Par- 

 tridges and Francolins in India. It is even strong enough 

 to capture the wild Peacock, Pheasants, and Hares. In the 

 north of Europe it is most destructive to poultry, Partridges, 

 and even Hares and Rabbits, occasionally devastating dove- 

 cots and poultry-yards. 



Mr. Hewitson says that the nest " is placed in some high 

 tree in the interior of the woodland, except in those parts 

 which are cleared, and free from timber." 



