3G6 LAND-BIRDS AND G4OIE-BIRDS 



in neither of which cases did the female offer any resistance, 

 though Mr. Boardman considers them so spirited as to attack 

 intruders. Dr. Brewer, in the "Birds of North America," 

 says: " Mr. Mcllwraith, of Hamilton, Canada, has noted ex- 

 tensive migrations of this Hawk in March of different years, 

 as many as twent} T or thirty being in view at one time, passing 

 at a considerable height, and moving in circles towards the 

 north-west." These Buzzards, though readily distinguished 

 by size from the " Hen Hawks," do not differ much in habits. 

 In common with those birds, they are often teased by King- 

 birds and Crows, but on such occasions they show a quiet dig- 

 nity and unconcern, which is veiy striking. 



(d). The Broad-winged Hawks have a loud, whining whistle, 

 not unlike the familiar cries of the "Hen Hawks." These may 

 most often be heard in spring. 



VI. ARCHIBUTEO 



(A) LAGOPUS (var. SANCTI-JOHANNIS) . Rough-legged Hawk 

 (or Buzzard). Black Hawk. 



(In Massachusetts, a winter-visitor of great rarity.) 



(a). Tarsus feathered to the toes. Extreme length, about 

 two feet. Above, marked with various browns and white (or 

 yellowish). Tail black-banded, but with the basal half white 

 and unmarked. Under parts, white, variously marked with 

 brown, which generally forms a broad band across the lower 

 breast. There is a so-called melanotic race, with the plumage 

 nearly uniform black or blackish, but with the forehead (throat), 

 and more or less banding on the tail, white. This is the Black 

 Hawk, supposed by some writers to be the adult of the other. 



(b). The eggs, as described by other authors, do not appar- 

 ently differ from certain forms, found among those of the 

 " Hen Hawks." See V, B, b. 



(c). The Rough-legged Buzzards occur in New England as 

 winter-visitors only, and near Boston are rare, especially in 

 black plumage. The}^ are noted for the following traits : gen- 

 eral sluggishness, fondness for hunting in the evening or toward 

 dusk, fondness for meadows, marshes, and low, wet lands, and 



