MARSH HARRIER. 



Circus rufus. BRISSON. 

 PLATE XXIV. 



Falco seruginosus, Linn. Circus rufus, Brisson. Buz- 

 zard harpaye ou de marais, Temm Moor Buzzard of 

 British ornithologists Marsh Harrier, Selby. 



THIS species, while it maintains the general 

 form and contour of the Harriers, exhibits 

 stronger proportions in every way. It is, at the 

 same time, very similar in its manners, flight, and 

 mode of hunting ; delights in low and marshy 

 grounds, preys on aquatic animals and birds, 

 reptiles, water-rats, wild-ducks, and frogs. It 

 glides over the cover or tall reeds, close to their 

 tops, making a dart when any quarry is raised, 

 but never pursues it ; occasionally settles either 

 to re*t or seize some prey ; and we have several 

 times got within shot by approaching cautiously 

 when it had alighted. They frequent the same 

 beat for many days together, crossing it nearly 

 at the same hours, and hunting the same places 

 in their turn. The nest we have never seen, but 

 it is recorded upon good authority to be placed 



