FALCONID.^ DIURNAL RAPTORES. 



Measurements. 



477 



"Audubon characterizes this Hawk as spiritless, inactive, and de- 

 ficient in courage, seldom chasing other birds of prey, but itself 

 frequently annoyed by the little Sparrow-Hawk, the Kingbird and 

 Martin. It only attacks birds of a weak nature, young chickens 

 and ducklings, and feeds on small animals and insects. It is 

 usually found singly, is easily approached, and when wounded 

 throws itself on its back, erects its top feathers, utters a hissing 

 sound, and attempts to defend itself with its talons. 



"A nest of this bird, found by Mr. Audubon, is said to have been 

 about the size of that of the Crow, and to have been placed in the 

 larger branches of a tree, near the trunk. It was composed exter- 

 nally of dry sticks and briars; internally, of small roots, and lined 

 with numerous large feathers. The nest found by Professor Adams, 

 near Middlebury, Vt., was quite large, and was coarsely constructed 

 of sticks, and lined only with fibrous roots and fine grass. In this 

 instance the eggs were three. This is the more usual number, 

 though occasionally four or five are found." (Hist. N. Am. B.) 



GENUS ARCHIBUTEO BREHM. 



Archibuteo BREHM, Isis, 1828, 1269. Type Falco lagopus GMEL. 



' CHAB. Similar to Buteo, but bill and feet weaker, wings longer, and tarsi feathered 

 in front, to the toes. BiH small, compressed anteriorly, but very broad through the 

 gape; upper outline of the cere ascending basally; nostril broadly oval, nearly horizon- 

 tal. Tarsus densely feathered in front and on the sides down to the base of the toes; 

 naked behind, where covered with irregular scales. Tarsus more than twice as long as 

 the middle toe; basal half of the toes covered with small scales; outer toe longer than 

 the inner; claws long, strongly curved, acute. Feathering of the head and neck normal. 

 Wing very long; the third to fourth quill longest; first shorter than seventh; outer four 

 or five with inner webs deeply emarginated. Tail moderate, rounded. Plumage full 

 and soft. 



The relationship of this well-marked genus appears to be nearest 

 to Buteo and Circus, with an approach to Circaetus in character of 

 the plumage, especially the wing. 



The two North American species are exceedingly distinct and may 

 readily be separated by the following characters: 



