The Hen Harrier. 



213 



man's arm, and eleven small tortoises, together with a 

 good many insects. The inhabitants of the Cape Colony 

 are quite aware of the services rendered to them by the 

 Secretary Bird, and sometimes keep him among their 

 poultry to protect them from injurious animals ; he is 

 said to behave with great propriety under these circum- 

 stances, rarely doing any mischief to his companions, 

 unless his supply of food has been neglected. 



THE HEN HARRIER, (Circus cyaneus,) 



Is seen about forests, heaths, and other retired places, 

 especially in the neighbourhood of marshy grounds, 

 where it destroys vast numbers of snipes, woodcocks, 

 and wild ducks. It is about seventeen inches long, and 

 three feet wide ; its bill is black, and cere yellow. The 

 upper part of its body is of a bluish gray ; and the back 

 of the head, breast, belly, and thighs are white. The 

 legs are long, slender, and yellow ; and the claws black. 



