HAWKS AND EAGLES. 369 



freckled with two shades of russet, confluently so at the two 

 ends. Other specimens exhibit great variation in ground 

 colors, but they rarely have the large and prominent markings 

 often seen on the eggs of the Sharp-shinned Hawk. 



c. The Sparrow Hawks, though their flight is compara- 

 tively weak, it being rarely or never much protracted, are 

 none the less active and daring. Perched on some tree or 

 fence, and occasionally flirting the tail, they eagerly watch for 

 their prey, which consists of mice, small birds, and even in- 

 sects. Then, as if restless and dissatisfied, they leave their 

 post, and fly off along the roadsides, over the fields, through 

 the orchards, but less often among the woods than in open 

 lands. Now pausing to reconnoitre, with a quivering of the 

 wings, now sailing briefly but with eminent grace, they pass 

 on swiftly, but not in the constant hurry which characterizes 

 the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Sometimes they pounce upon a 

 field mouse, which they often carry to a tree to eat ; sometimes 

 their quick eye detects a poor Sparrow or Thrush, and then they 

 dive into some thicket or chase on wing, generally with fatal 

 success. Their motions are characterized by more grace, but 

 less speed and fury, than those of the other small Hawks. 

 They are, however, equally cruel and destructive, and the 

 smaller birds find little or no protection in thickets or trees. 

 They usually perch and fly not far from the ground, and 

 never, so far as I have observed, mount to a great height. 

 Several anecdotes serve to show that they are very scrupu- 

 lous about their food, and do not like tainted flesh. They are 

 the least shy of our Hawks, and often exhibit a surprising de- 

 gree of familiarity toward men. They are also rather social, 

 and not uncommonly occur in family parties or pairs. 



The Sparrow Hawks are distributed through New England 

 rather locally, but apparently are nowhere common. They 

 are especially rare in eastern Massachusetts, so far as I have 

 observed in confirmation of others, and, having never seen 

 them in winter, I suppose them undoubtedly to be migratory. 

 Mr. Maynard, however, considers them, though rare in winter, 

 resident throughout the year. In Florida they are " abun- 

 dant," remaining there at all seasons, though known to occur 



